Pizza takeaway in Hinckley reveals plan to open café in town centre

A Mediterranean style pizza café is opening in the centre of Hinckley.

Ponchinello’s takeaway is taking on a shop unit next to its current outlet in Regent Street and is transforming it into a relaxed spot where diners can enjoy a slice with their favourite topping.

It will feature olive trees out the front and bosses want to create a tribute to Molise, the part of Italy where owner Gianni Iaverdino’s family hails from.

The 35-year-old, originally from Preston, has owned the pizza place for the last six years, and his partner Lauren will run the new venue.

He said that the street, which is home to late night bars Kaseys, Vis-À-Vis and The Gravity, should be revamped to attract more customers.

“We wanted to incorporate food and drink together. I want to do a Tapas style menu and for it to be quite sociable”, he said.

“It’s all made fresh with proper ingredients. It’s going to be something for everyone.

"It will be good food and drink at a reasonable price."

The unit is beneath Kase Hotel and was previously a convenience store, with managers applying for prior approval for a change of use.

Food for the cafe will be cooked in the current place.

Ponchinello’s was the town’s first pizza place, opening in 1985, and was originally run by Gianni’s aunt.

Gianni and Lauren also ran Café Latino near the top of Castle Street, which is now Café Español.

Regent Street has several other takeaways on it and was previously home to Quartz nightclub and the town’s Wetherspoon pub, The Baron of Hinckley, which closes this Sunday.

Nirad Solanki, owner of Elmesthorpe Brewery Company, is buying the Baron and has said he wants to change as little as possible.

A2Z Taxis recently refurbished the May Wah House takeaway, which had been closed for more then 25 years, and turned it into an office where people can come and arrange a ride.

The premises had become such a blight on the busy street that Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council issued numerous enforcement notices to tidy up the site.