Success for Lancaster restaurant and chef at UK Italian Awards

An Italian restaurant and chef in Lancaster are celebrating after recognition at a national awards ceremony.

Buccelli's was Highly Recommended for Best Restaurant in the North West of England at the Italian Awards (UK) while Evie Rai was Highly Recommended in the Up and Coming Chef category.

Both the restaurant on Church Street and Evie reached the finals competing against some of the other finest Italian restaurants and chefs in the country, with winners announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Grosvenor in London.

The Italian Awards has been rewarding and recognising Italian companies throughout the United Kingdom since 2012.

Buccelli's is run by Bruno Buccelli, and has regularly won or been nominated for awards at the ceremony since 2017.

The restaurant prides itself on bringing authentic and traditional Italian food to Lancaster.

"We have had an incredible two days down south in London, and we have come back full of pride and energy," said Mr Buccelli, posting on the Buccelli's Facebook page.

"I personally want to thank Evie, Jade, Emma, Val, Will, Lucy Jo, Sophia and Ilaria for the amazing work they do every single day to keep Buccelli’s among the very best Italian restaurants in the UK.

"A huge thank you also to all of you who support us in every way, through social media, by coming to eat at Buccelli’s, or simply by popping in for a coffee and a cannolo.

"Without you, Buccelli’s would not be Buccelli’s."

Winners on the night included Strictly Come Dancing star Vito Coppola, who won the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Mr Buccelli is also one of the driving forces behind Festa Italia, an annual celebration of Italian culture in Lancaster. The event returns this year on May 23 and 24.