Pasta Loco pair to launch Italian trattoria concept

11-Jul-2019 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 12:25 GMT

Related tags Italian cuisine Bristol Restaurant

The team behind Bristol’s well-regarded Pasta Loco restaurant are to launch a new concept later this year on the site formerly occupied by Bell's Diner and Bar Rooms.

It will be the fourth site in the city for cousins Dominic Borel and Ben Harvey, who currently operate deli-style concept La Sorella and restaurant Pasta Ripiena (both on St Stephen's Street) as well as Pasta Loco.

Speaking to BristolLive, the pair have revealed that their new restaurant, Bianchi's, will be modelled on a classic Italian trattoria.

"We've become known for our unique and creative dishes but we're going back to basics with Bianchi's,” Borel told the paper, confirming that the site is currently being refurbished.

"The head chef will be Pegs Quinn, who's bringing a great menu with him which we're all really excited about."

Borel and Harvey opened Pasta Loco on Cotham Hill in Bristol in 2016, and expanded to St Stephen's Street with the launch of Pasta Ripiena in 2017.

The pair launched La Sorella a few doors down from Pasta Ripiena earlier this year.

Bell’s Diner and Bar Rooms (originally known as just Bell’s Diner) launched in 1976 in the city’s trendy Montpelier neighbourhood, and is considered one of Bristol’s best-loved restaurants.

Having operated as a bistro for more than 40 years, the restaurant closed its doors earlier this year.