The town needed something new, so we created something special with our major restaurant refurbishment
“It’s an important building in the centre of Poulton, so we wanted the investment to benefit the town as well as the restaurant.”
A popular Poulton-le-Fylde restaurant has unveiled a major transformation following an ambitious refurbishment over the past few weeks.
Bistro Italia, on Vicarage Road, has undergone a complete refurbishment over the past few weeks. The popular restaurant was first opened in 1994, then called Papas, and has since become a staple in Poulton’s ever-changing food scene.
Speaking to the Gazette about the changes to their restaurant, Bistro Italia’s owners Pasquale and Sonya Carpentino said: “This project has been about more than refurbishing a restaurant.
“It has been about securing the future of a much-loved local business, restoring the building around it and ensuring that both remain part of Poulton’s town centre for years to come.
“Great food and service has always been at the heart of Bistro Italia, but dining is no longer simply about finding a good meal or the cheapest deal.
“Customers increasingly want somewhere that feels special - a destination in its own right, a place where they can meet friends, enjoy a cocktail, take their time and make an occasion of going out.
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“Guests can now arrive early for a cocktail before dinner, stay for drinks afterwards, or simply visit the bar without committing to the full dining experience, with pizzas and small bites also available.”
A new bar area and terrace are at the heart of the changes to Bistro Italia, along with a complete makeover of the restaurant's interior design and exterior signage.
The new interior was created in collaboration with Octavia Chic Interiors Ltd, with local event specialists Bash Creative bringing further creative elements to the finished space.
A number of other local businesses and tradespeople contributed to the project, including Sonya’s nephew Oliver, of OLM Joinery.
“We felt the time was right to bring something new to Poulton - something that feels premium and contemporary, while remaining authentic and true to our Italian roots,” Pasquale added.
“Together, the project has combined the skills of family members, local trades and independent businesses to create a venue that feels distinctly new without losing the identity that has made Bistro Italia part of Poulton for so many years.
“It’s an important building in the centre of Poulton, so we wanted the investment to benefit the town as well as the restaurant.”