Whalley Italian named best new business in England

Amico Mio, in Whalley, beat five other business across the country to be named the best new business at the England Business Awards 2022.

It was named best new business in Lancashire back in September and Emanuele Passerini, managing director of the Italian restaurant in King Street, said staff couldn’t believe it when their name was called in the national final.

Amico Mio at the England Business Awards 2022. (Image: Amico Mio)

The 23-year-old said: “As you can imagine we weren’t expecting this one at all – it was a big one.

“We are a tiny business in the tiny village and to be recognised on a national scale is massive – we’ve put Whalley on the map.

“We have only been open a year and four months and to be recognised as a national winner is incredible.

“The staff are still pinching themselves and are so proud of themselves.”

Since announcing the news on social media Emanuele says they have been flooded with calls and bookings.

He said: “We put the news on every social media app and the phone since then has been non-stop.

“We have already received so many bookings and we are almost fully booked until the New Year.”

Emanuele opened the business in July 2021 and says their strong family values and relationship with customers may have cinched them the win.

He said: “We are a family orientated business and we are so close withthe community.

“Since we have taken over we have made things a little bit different. That has been welcomed by the people of Whalley – we must have done something right.”

Amico Mio's England Business Awards (Image: Amico Mio)

Emanuele  has spent his life working in the hospitality industry, including Northcote restaurant in Langho, and say owning his own business was always a dream of his.

He said: “I want to thank my dad. Without him there would be no restaurant

“He has helped me financially and also works weekend alongside his job as a barber in Blackburn.

“I told him it was a dream of mine to have a restaurant of my own after working in many all over Lancashire.

“I always wanted to something in hospitality whether that be in the kitchen or outside it.

“Getting my own restaurant is without a doubt one of the best decisions I have ever made.”