Aldo Zilli
Solihull has welcomed a taste of the Italian Alps with the official launch of the new Emporio Artari.
Touchwood in Solihull has welcomed an elegant new addition to its growing number of independent food and drink venues.
The team behind the Lucarelli Restaurants in the Mailbox Birmingham and West Bromwich, which have been wowing diners with their beautiful settings and exemplary menus since April 2021, have opened a new Italian Bar and Café. This new venture has been inspired by one of the oldest coffee houses in Italy and brings with it all the style and elegance of traditional Italian hospitality.
Emporio Artari started life deep in the Italian Alps back in 1886 and the new location in Touchwood will be the first in the UK to house this authentic Italian brand. Guests will be able to take a break from shopping and unwind the Italian way, with a selection of authentic treats available.
As well as offering the perfect Italian coffee, Emporio Artari are serving Lucarelli style cicchetti food including sharing platters, arancini, oven-baked lasagne and panini and even an indulgent Italian style Afternoon Tea. Diners will also be able to treat themselves to a glass of Prosecco or even choose from a selection of special cocktails, all served up with exceptional service from highly commended staff and bartenders.
Tony Elvin, General Manager at Touchwood, says, “We are very excited to welcome the stunning Emporio Artari as the new centrepiece bar and coffee shop within Touchwood’s atrium. The design and quality of this operation will give guests a firm idea of how Touchwood is evolving post-pandemic. Café Artari will not just offer coffee but also Prosecco, gelato, cicchetti and more. I hope to see you there.”
The team behind Emporio Artari includes award-winning Italian celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, who has been bringing his expertise to help create new signature dishes for their upcoming seasonal menus.
Aldo says, “I’ve had a fantastic time working with Lucarelli over the past couple of months and I’m excited to be expanding the Lucarelli brand and bringing our vision to the people of Solihull. So you’ll be seeing more of me around here!”
Guests at the launch event were treated to a taste of the dolce vita with a mouth-watering selection of canapés and desserts prepared by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli’s team, along with the Italian favourite Prosecco to mark the occasion.
Eduardo Artari, head of the famous family coffee brand, flew in especially from Italy to join in the celebrations, which included live music from Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Julian Smith.
Sabrina Sacco, Director of the Sash Group also announced the company’s next plans. Their next opening will be a new Lucarelli in London, which will open at the famous Harvey Nichols in glamourous Knightsbridge. Exciting times ahead!
