(cont)

therefore sources ingredients from local suppliers; vegetables from Abbey Parks, meat from Andrew Beeson Butchers and fish from Kimes Fisheries, for example.

 “It’s really important that we support local suppliers.” Says Tony. “And any specialist ingredients are imported directly from Italy so we have the luxury of choosing exactly what we want with no compromises.”

As one would expect, a range of Italian wines is also available, imported specially alongside Prosecco; Italian sparkling wine that has won against the most exclusive Champagne wines in blind tasting tests held in France… the best of Italian beers is also available.

Ultimately the food is exactly as one would expect from a quality Italian restaurant; impeccably presented, colourful with exceptionally well-crafted flavours, but what makes Bizzarro particularly special, especially around Valentine’s Day, is its location and ambience. A typical yet exceptional example of a cosy, romantic Italian restaurant, Bizzarro has grown its number of covers to offer space for 50 diners. With four dining rooms, diners find themselves in either a rustic terracotta floored and whitewashed wall dining room with views of the kitchen, or the larger downstairs dining room with open fire, crisp white linen contrasting with silver cutlery and traditional pantiles. Meanwhile, the two upstairs dining rooms are more lavishly furnished with rich baroque colours and open fireplaces, seating 10 and 16 diners respectively and ideal for family events and private dining parties.

Bizzarro’s front of house is managed by co-proprietor Jo Christmas, responsible for ensuring that service is warm, comfortable and friendly. Meanwhile, the restaurant itself is even hidden away down the town’s Wormgate, a tiny cobbled street backing up its intimate feel, and has a bright raspberry red frontage creating a cheerful ambience
for anyone seeking a romantic meal for two this month.

The restaurant is the quintessential Valentines’ Day venue with exceptional food, historic surroundings and warm hospitality. Indeed, Bizzarro must be doing something right; in the five years the restaurant has been trading, Jo reveals that they have witnessed many diners choosing to go down on one knee and propose after a candlelit supper… on that basis alone, Bizzarro’s romantic credentials are definitely sealed!