A taste of Italy is now on the menu for diners in Appleby thanks to the opening of an exciting new Italian restaurant.
James Brighurst, 31, who had previously run the successful James’ Temptations cafe, in Bridge Street, for over seven years has now opened Angelo’s across the road.
“It was only a small cafe and I had outgrown it. I was looking for something bigger and a new challenge,” said James.
Following many conversations with locals, it transpired that what people thought Appleby really needed was an Italian restaurant.
He hopes the new venture will provide something new to the dining market in Appleby.
As well as being the town’s only Italian restaurant, there is also an intention of holding theme nights with cuisine from across the globe.
Ahead of the full opening, James said a couple of soft launches have been held and the feedback from them had been very good.
With the new restaurant having stood empty for much of the past five years, James has spent about £40,000 on refurbishing the building, including the installation of a new kitchen.
Customers can expect a full Italian wine list, pizza and pasta dishes and traditional home-cooked food including a tuna dish with slow cooked onions and Mediterranean vegetables and saltimbocca, which is pork medallions cooked in a sweet wine and lemon sauce.
“It’s nervous excitement at the minute. I’m determined to get it right first time because you only get one opportunity to make a first impression.
“Customers have been very positive – I was looking to move out of Cumbria, but when I announced I was staying they were over the moon,” he added.
