Bella Roma was opened by Francesco Cangemi in updated business premises on Claughton Street in June, delivering a boost to the town’s food and drink scene.
The name is a nod to the former Bella Roma that was run by his parents on George Street for around 15 years.
Four months since its launch, the Star caught up with Francesco as diners gathered at the restaurant on Thursday afternoon.
The venue has won high praise from the Star’s contacts, with its pasta and pizza dishes and delicious home-made desserts singled out for plaudits.
The relaxed atmosphere and reasonable pricing have won favour too.
Francesco is already expanding his business (Image: St Helens Star)
“A good Italian restaurant that’s fit for families and celebrations was something St Helens was sorely lacking,” one reader told the Star.
“The food’s fantastic and the pricing is balanced. We’ve been a few times now and thoroughly enjoyed it.
“Francesco has took a chance in St Helens, good on him. It deserves to be a success,” they added.
Francesco is modest when it comes to the praise, admitting there’s been some nice compliments but also some constructive feedback.
He says the venue is doing really well on weekends and week nights, though the daytime is more challenging.
“The nights are really good, often we’re fully booked. It’s been well received – we’ve had quite a few parties and we’re getting Christmas bookings already.
“People like it – everyone is happy, the food, the drink, the atmosphere.
“Some people do still come and say we didn’t know you were here, so there’s still some work to do.”
The venue hasn’t stood still since its opening.
As well as the main restaurant setting, there’s seating near the stylish bar where customers can drop in for a coffee during the day or a few drinks on an evening.
Bella Roma also offers what Francesco describes as small breakfast menu, which he hopes will drive footfall in the mornings.
This weekend sees a bold move with an additional room due to open to offer Bottomless Brunch or host gatherings for events such as birthdays or baby showers.
“The room was there to expand, so rather than anyone else take it we thought it would a good space for hosting events or the bottomless brunch.”
For Francesco there’s also been the satisfaction of having positive comments from customers who once dined at his parents’ restaurant, Bella Roma, which stood on the corner of Hall Street and George Street in the 90s.
The time and energy and building and running the fledging business is draining, so moments or appreciation from those customers is rewarding for a St Helens lad who was taught the way of producing Italian food by his father.
He adds: “We’ve had customers who used to go to my mum and dad’s; we do recognise some although I was only around five at the time – and I’m in my mid 30s now.
“It’s nice to have that.”
The long term success of Bella Roma and St Helens food and drink quarter (the town has a significant number of quality independent restaurants – 36 Bridge Street to La Casa Vieja and Balti Spice are a few that spring to mind – which can be overlooked when the town centre faces criticism) is likely to centre on the town’s £100m regeneration project being successful.
A new travel hub and Hampton by Hilton hotel – designed specifically to attract business clients – are key planks of the project and would just be a stone’s throw for Franseco’s restaurant.
Inside Bella Roma on Claughton Street (Image: St Helens Star)
If it goes to plan, a quality Italian restaurant such as Bella Roma could be in line to reap the benefits.
Francesco has cautious optimism, but wants to see the project delivered in full before getting carried away.
For the moment the focus is on expanding Bella Roma’s premises and its profile.
Dining and Cooking