Popular Blackpool pizza restaurant set to reopen

Mamma’s Ristorante on Topping Street closed last year after 40 years of trading in the resort when owners Giuliano Giacomini and his wife Susi decided to call it a day after lockdown.

But planning documents reveal the premises have been taken over by new owners Claire and Lee Martin who have applied for planning permission for renovations including a replacement awning, new timber windows, planting boxes on the first floor and repairs to the frontage.

Blackpool based architect Joseph Boniface, who has drawn up the scheme, says in a design statement: “Mammas Restaurant is a Blackpool institution and has recently come under new ownership.

“The new owners, Claire and Lee Martin, are currently undertaking an extensive refurbishment of the interior and exterior to which this application relates.

“The scheme is designed to complement the existing work underway as part of the Quality Corridors initiative.”

Documents add “extensive works are required to the external facade” including replacing rotten timber, repairing brickwork and rendering.

The premises, which has space for around 60 diners, was advertised last year for lease at £24,000 a year.

It had been forced to close in March 2020 due to the coronavirus lockdown, and Guiliano and Susi then decided to step down permanently due to Susi having to self-isolate while Giuliano was coming up to 80 years old.

Susi said at the time: “It has been wonderful, we have made so many friends and worked with so many wonderful people, we are going to miss it. But with everything that has gone on and the health restrictions, we think it is time to retire.”

Giuliano had worked in several places before opening his first restaurant Da Vinci’s in King Street. But he realised there was big market for pizzerias and set up Mamma’s Ristorante in June 1980.

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