Thu 30th Jun 2016 - Marco Pierre White launches 'ultra-casual' pizza concept Marco Pierre White launches 'ultra-casual' pizza concept: Marco Pierre White has launched the first site for his new “ultra-casual” dining concept. Called Bardolino Pizzeria, Bellini and Espresso Bar, the first new restaurant has now opened at DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, north Somerset. Taking its name from the town of Pierre White’s mother’s birth, Bardolino, a town located in the Italian region of Veneto, it features an all-day express menu of authentic Italian food, coffees and Bellinis. The restaurant has a distinct rustic feel with a mixture of wooden panelled and white retro brick tiled walls and the eclectic mix of chairs and tables coupled with, in this instance, the magnificent views out across the north Somerset countryside gives diners a real sense of being in Italy. Operated under licence from the celebrity chef’s Black & White Hospitality business, the plan is to open five more venues by the end of 2016 with the group already in advanced discussions with venues in Manchester and London. The second venue is set to open in Birmingham at the beginning of July. Pierre White said: “What I like about Bardolino is that it tells you exactly what it is in the name. It’s pizza, it’s coffee, it’s a bar. We lead such busy lives our favourite past time must be escapism. A lot of today’s restaurant habits are about casual dining, so casual spaces are really important. I like casual and I like affordable and that is what you get with Bardolino. The most important aspect of any restaurant is the environment you’re sat. The lighting, the music, the staff all play their part. Food is almost fourth on the list. Bardolino is all about simple, authentic Italian food. It’s recognisable dishes served in a comfortable and relaxed setting.” Nick Taplin, chief executive and owner at Black & White Hospitality, said: “Bardolino is sure to be a hit with both daytime and evening diners. The high street has changed a lot in the past few years and the demand for casual dining has become increasingly popular. A trend we believe is here to stay. This concept is designed to offer a fresh alternative, where authentic, uncomplicated food served promptly is absolutely essential.The setting, although influenced by a rustic Italian village, will be vibrant and a little bit quirky with the decor reflecting both old and the new. I’m very proud that we are able to roll-out this new brand from north Somerset and the kudos it will give the area. It made total sense to launch our newest restaurant brand in a business that we own and manage and in an area of the country that I live.” Customers can expect a variety of authentic stone-baked pizzas from the Zingara with Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella and truffle oil to the Bresaola e Mozzarella with cured beef, beef tomatoes and rocket pecorino. Homemade pasta also features including favourites such as cannelloni, lasagna bolognese and baked meatballs alla Napoletana. For those looking to start off the day in true Italian style, it also serves a breakfast and brunch menu that includes “Marco’s Breakfast” – a combination that includes Italian-styled sausages, crisp pancetta, free-range eggs, Tuscan bread, button mushrooms, vine tomatoes and cannelloni beans.