Appleby diners will be saying benvenuto to an exciting new Italian restaurant set to open in the town this summer.
James Brighurst – the culinary talent behind the already successful Temptations cafe which has run on Bridge Street for the past seven years – is set to sell the cafe and open his new restaurant Angelo’s across the road, where the Appleby Times exhibition was previously housed.
The announcement of the new restaurant comes just as hospitality across the country reopens their doors in line with the UK roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions.
James, 32, hopes the new venture will help bring something new to the dining market in Appleby and along with opening what will be the town’s only Italian restaurant he will hold a variety of theme nights with cuisine from across the globe.
Angelo’s is set to open in early to mid-June with 28 covers and create an estimated seven to eight jobs.
Keen to give something back to the community, James is in talks with Appleby Grammar School leaders about establishing an apprenticeship scheme.
James first opened Temptations cafe in August, 2013, and has carved a successful business with a loyal following of customers.
Keen to look to a new challenge, he has been looking for new larger premises for some time and recently agreed a lease on the restaurant from it’s new owners.
James is now working on transforming the premises into a welcoming restaurant with a laid-back atmosphere and high quality food.
“I was looking for something busier or bigger and through talking to local customers an Italian restaurant is something in demand. At present we have only an Indian restaurant or pubs and the nearest Italian is 12 miles away in Penrith,” the young restaurateur said.
“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 away out of Cumbria but when I announced I was staying they were over the moon,” he added.
