Cloisters Italian Bistro to open deli next door
A Stamford business will take a step in a new direction, albeit just metres away, as it opens up shop next door.
After a successful stint serving takeaway food throughout the pandemic, owners of Cloisters Italian Bistro in St Mary’s Street, Jen and Dan Banham, were keen to continue on this path.
While continuing their restaurant menu as a takeaway offer would cause disruption to kitchen staff and customers, the married couple set on the idea of launching a deli.
Jen said: “It is something we have always wanted to do.
“When the building came up for lease we thought it would be silly not to take it.”
She added: “Since the closure of Just So Italian in St Mary’s Street, people have lost a choice of takeaway options in this part of town, so we are excited to open.”
Nestled among other independent companies in St Mary’s Street, it is important to the Cloisters team for people to support small businesses.
Despite the couple agreeing to take on the lease of the building next door in June, it has been a long process finalising contracts and preparing the building.
Due to its former purpose as an office space, lots of work was needed to transform the space into a deli with appropriate plumbing and kitchen fittings.
“We are opening a lot later than originally planned but at least we will be welcoming customers before Christmas and will get that Christmas trade,” said Jen.
“Hopefully we will be able to offer something I don’t think Stamford has, which is purely Italian products, specially imported.”
The deli will offer rolls, foccacia bread, fresh meats and cheeses, biscuits and hot drinks, while the restaurant will continue serving hot Italian food.
There will also be a section with Italian food.
Jen and Dan took on Cloisters in 2017 and, having watched the business grow, they have high hopes the new deli will follow the same pattern.
Jen said: “It’s evolved, while it’s not changed completely as at the heart of it it’s still a cozy Italian restaurant.
“Because it’s our passion we have put our stamp on it.”
She added: “When we took this place on it was a daunting enough task but after a couple of years having it do so well, we have been given the confidence to do more.
“By opening next door we know it will work because we have such lovely customers already, who support us. They are very excited.”
The opening of the deli also marks a new chapter for Ebony Waldron, 23, who works in the restaurant but will be taking on a new role as deli manager.
The mum-of-one said: “I’m really excited as it will be nice for the town to have something different.
“It will also work more effectively with my family.”
The deli is set to open on Thursday next week.
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