Following the unexpected announcement that Piccolino would be bowing out from its London Road residence, fan-favourite TV chef Gino D’Acampo revealed just weeks ago that he’d be taking the reigns, moving into the venue with his upscale Luciano concept.
The second restaurant under the new brand – which is named after his son – the Alderley Edge restaurant joins the recently opened ME Hotel London restaurant, serving ‘upmarket Italian dining’ in the heart of Cheshire. Fans of Piccolino will know that it isn’t a far cry away from what the original restaurant had to offer, except, the new concept will provide a Gino twist to each and every dish.
Priding itself on ‘authentic Italian service’ alongside classic Italian dishes, guests will be able to tuck into plates such as black truffle gnocchi, grilled veal, grass-fed steaks and Neapolitan-style pizzas in a ‘premium’ space, adding a touch of luxe to Gino’s successful restaurant empire.
Opening the doors this week, the beloved celebrity chef also announced a huge new city centre restaurant, too, promising three floors of Italian luxury – including a sky lounge and terrace.
Speaking to the MEN about the new concept and the closure of his Corn Exchange restaurant, Gino said: “My dad used to say to me for every action there is a reaction. Those five restaurants, they were rebranded without my consent and this is my reaction, I open new ones.
“When one goes, I say let’s do something bigger and better. So we are currently working on what will probably be my biggest site yet in Manchester, it’s going to be huge, over three floors with a sky lounge, terrace, it’s going to be amazing. They are busy chiselling away on it as we speak and should open before the Summer.”
Speaking of the opening of Luciano Alderley Edge, the chef said: “I have many friends in Alderley Edge and the surrounding areas, it’s an amazing place and one in which I’m super excited to open. The location on London Road couldn’t be any better, it’s a fantastic property. I’m looking forward to spending time here with the amazing team, and our incredible, loyal guests.”
Managing Director of Luciano by Gino D’Acampo, Mat Cunningham, added: “We’re looking forward to bringing Luciano to Alderley Edge. Gino’s influence in the kitchen is significant, not just in terms of the sourcing of ingredients and creation of dishes, but the impact he has on chefs who love to work with him and aspire to his talent and attention to detail. He’s incredibly hands-on.”
Luciano joins Gino D’Acampo’s existing restaurant chains including My Restaurant and the recently axed grab-and-go concept, My Pasta Bar, which has swiftly been replaced by the brand new concept.