New restaurant set to open this month at the former Porchini's restaurant in Liverpool Road

A village restaurant is set to reopen this week - with big plans for the future.
The former Porchinis restaurant  in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as RomanosThe former Porchinis restaurant  in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as Romanos
The former Porchinis restaurant in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as Romanos

Romano Santalucia, who ran Bella Roma in Friargate, Preston, for more than 20 years, has taken over the former Porchini’s restaurant in Liverpool Road, Longton.

An initial refresh, including new toilets, lighting and kitchen equipment, will see him able to open newly-titled Romano’s before Christmas. The venue will then close again in the New Year for a full refit.

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Romano, originally from Calabria in southern Italy, said: “I had Bella Roma for 20 years before moving back to Italy in 2012. My wife works in a restaurant, and we thought, why don’t we do it again, together?

The former Porchinis restaurant  in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as RomanosThe former Porchinis restaurant  in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as Romanos
The former Porchinis restaurant in the centre of Longton, which is to reopen as Romanos

“It’s a good spot here, people keep telling me they want a good, quality restaurant.

“A lot of restaurants do cheap and cheerful, serving nasty wine, but I won’t use anything but quality products.

“I was a wine consultant for four years, so I know what I’m buying. We’ll also be serving dishes that are authentic and different to what you can find elsewhere.”

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There will be a small menu, with a focus on daily specials and fresh ingredients.

Romano Santalucias former restaurant in Friargate, PrestonRomano Santalucias former restaurant in Friargate, Preston
Romano Santalucias former restaurant in Friargate, Preston

Romano added: “We’re excited to open and so are our customers.

“A lot of people know us in Preston and surrounding areas and we have already taken quite a few bookings.”

There will be a new chef working alongside Romano, his wife and a head waiter.