A true taste of Italy is returning to Westside following the completion of a major refurbishment project that has transformed Del Villaggio on Broad Street.
The restaurant, which specialises in pasta dishes and hand-crafted pizzas cooked in their own stone bake oven, is reopening tomorrow (Friday) after an absence of several months.
Among the major improvements awaiting diners is a new bar and dining layout both downstairs and upstairs, with a focus on glass railings inside to complement the glass frontage.
Del Villaggio, which has been in Broad Street since 2014, has been providing takeaways during COVID-19 and has seen a drastic increase in orders.
But it is now reopening its interior to diners several months ahead of plans after choosing to press on with the work during the lockdown.
Social distancing guidelines will restrict the seating downstairs to 46, with a similar number accommodated upstairs, which had previously been reserved for private parties only.
Andrew Shipley, general manager at Del Villaggio, said: “We are very excited about reopening the restaurant. There has been a whole refurbishment, including brand new bar and restaurant layouts both upstairs and downstairs.
“Previously, the upstairs was only for private functions, but we have transformed it and added glass railings so diners can see down and also outside because the entire frontage is glass.”
Mr Shipley said Del Villaggio is a family run restaurant that uses a lot of products and wines brought from Italy.
He said the restaurant, which will initially employ two front of house staff and four kitchen staff, had been planning the improvement work for some time.
He added: “This was being planned for when the Metro extension was completed. We were looking at next year but brought it forward because of the COVID-19 lockdown.
“It’s going to be tough because of the current situation, but I personally think this is going to be the new norm with table layouts and face masks.”
Del Villagio is at 175 Broad St, and diners can book tables on 0121 633 3553 or via www.del-villaggio.co.uk
By Tony Collins
