A Bristol-based chain of family-owned pizza restaurants has expanded into Bath after securing funding from Barclays.
Bosco Pizzeria has successfully launched its third restaurant in the city, pictured, and is now due to open in Cheltenham shortly as it bounces back from the impact of the pandemic.
The group is the brainchild of Miles Johnson, whose holiday trips to Italy inspired his love of the country’s food and the ingredient-led simplicity of its cooking along with the culture of Italian family dining.
With two restaurants established in Clifton – on Whiteladies Road and Regent Street – the group is aiming for further growth with the support of a six-figure package from Barclays.
The funding includes a Covid-related loan that helped keep the business afloat during lockdown, while also helping its expansion.
So far the group has created around 30 jobs, including chefs, front-of-house and kitchen staff, taking its total headcount to more than 65 people across the chain.
The Bath outlet, in a unit in Milson Place formerly occupied by Argentine steakhouse Cau, has been fully refurbished to accommodate 170 covers and feature the restaurant’s trademark interior, including an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven.
Miles said his affection for Italy was the foundation for the business and continued to inspire it.
“Italy is somewhere I’ve been many times. My wife and I got married there and it’s where our children were christened,” he said.
“The simplicity of the food is something I love, without compromising on flavour.
“People come to Bosco for the atmosphere and that’s absolutely something we’ll be looking to replicate at Bath – a place to enjoy good food and drink while soaking up the buzz and ambience of a bustling restaurant.
“We’re very excited to have continued our expansion during these challenging times thanks to Barclays, and we look forward to welcoming as many diners as possible in the coming days and weeks.”
Barclays business banking manager Jason Grail added: “The hospitality trade has felt the full force of the Covid-19 measures, so it’s great to see a light at the end of the tunnel for a number of businesses which have now been able to re-open and, in this instance, expand their footprint.
“This is just one example of where Barclays has supported hospitality customers to help them get back on track, provide local jobs and support the local economy.
“Our number one priority continues to be to help all businesses bounce back from the impact of this pandemic.”
