The lavish new £3m San Carlo in Alderley Edge has been named Best New Opening at a prestigious national restaurant awards. The family-run Italian restaurant opened in September at a landmark location in the Cheshire village.
Bosses took over the site from the former Gino D'Acampo Luciano Restaurant which closed in February. They went on to spend £3m on a dazzling new look for the site, featuring an all-year round terrace inspired by Italian gardens.
They beat off stiff competition to be named Best New Opening in the UK at the R200 Restaurant Magazine Awards. The prestigious annual event recognises some of the country’s greatest restaurateurs, hospitality operators and venues.
READ MORE: "I run a haunted village pub - and I think a ghost is out to get me"
READ MORE: Manchester restaurants and bars go wild with Christmas decorations - see all the best festive doors
San Carlo is known for its celebhaunt flagship in Manchester city centre, and the Alderley Edge outpost has already welcomed many a VIP since it launched. The restaurant was commended by judges for the "successful execution of its opulent restaurant, the striking design details, interiors and material finishes".
There are now over 30 San Carlo restaurants across the world, but the Alderley Edge site is said to have been one of the most special for the Distefano family who have lived in the area for many years. Other projects completed this year include the upgrade of San Carlo in Liverpool and Signor Sassi in Dubai at the St. Regis hotel, with further expansion in the pipeline for 2024.
Marcello Distefano, Managing Director of San Carlo Group, said: "We are absolutely over the moon to win this award. The Alderley Edge restaurant has been such a great project.
"From the initial vision to creating a spectacular space through to the team that have brought it to life, to be recognised on a national level against some big names in the industry, feels very very special.”
Located on London Road in the heart of Alderley Edge the restaurant boasts interiors inspired by grand Milanese villas and gardens, creating what it says is "a space that has a captivating ambience and a timeless sophistication".
Designed by Fettle, the London-based studio, the 164-cover restaurant features a Venetian-inspired patterned terrazzo floor throughout, a spacious dining area and a stunning outdoor terrace with a retractable roof, available for all year round dining.
The interiors also feature a pergola strung with Italian crystal pendant lights, a marble open flame fireplace, and an abundance of planting, reminiscent of a glamourous Italian garden. The venue is also in the midst of being decked out in its Christmas decorations this week ready for a busy festive season.
