Spotlight on... Aquila, Italian fine dining in Bristol
Posted on: 03 May 2017We speak to Pete Dunford, general manager of Aquila, about the challenges and rewards of running the respected Italian restaurant in central Bristol. Read on for more:
When did Aquila open its doors and can you give us a brief history of the restaurant?
Aquila opened in October 2014 following a two-year design and build period. It is our first independent restaurant following over 20 years in the hospitality sector with hotels in Bristol, Bath and the Cotswolds.
How would you describe the food you make? What is your speciality?
We specialise in modern, authentic Italian cuisine. All of our chefs are from Italy and bring different inspirations and flavours from their respective regions. We believe in serving food to our customers in Bristol exactly as it is enjoyed in Italy and the feedback has been fantastic.
Do you cater to vegetarians and vegans?
We do indeed and pride ourselves as being as flexible as we can with dietary requirements, which is one of the benefits of a fresh food kitchen. We offer an array of vegetarian dishes on our main menu, and have separate vegan and gluten-free menus too.
What are the challenges and bonuses of running an independent business?
Being independent is fantastic, it gives you the freedom to try anything you want from suppliers to offers to customers. I think Bristol itself really prides itself on supporting independent business and we certainly feel valued by our customers, just as we value them. An added bonus is the business and customer relationship, we love feedback and work on things every day based on our customers’ comments.
The challenges of being independent are much the same with any business, however one of the most problematic aspects currently facing Bristol and the UK is reservation no-shows. We turn away lots of potential business when we are fully-booked and for people to no show not only costs us financially but also deprives someone else of a chance to dine with us.
What advice would you give to others who are considering doing the same?
The same principles apply in any business start-up really. Research the market, create a solid financial plan, ensure quality and value for money and most importantly employ the right people. The product is important but the delivery of it is even more vital.
Are you from Bristol?
Born and raised in Keynsham, and save for a few years at University in Leicester and in Manchester moved back in 2008.
When you aren’t working, where are your favourite places to eat and drink in the city?
In this industry there aren’t many times that you aren’t working! We are also very lucky in Bristol to have such a fantastic food and drink scene, I am trying to work my way around them all!
More generally, where is your favourite place in Bristol?
Anywhere as long as it is on a golf course! That aside a few drinks overlooking the Avon Gorge is also pretty good!
Do you have any special events going on?
We have recently launched our bottomless Prosecco lunch on weekends and the demand and feedback has been fantastic.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for the day what would you change?
People are very diverse and have different opinions on nearly everything however if there was one thing that would undoubtedly be unanimous amongst all Bristolians it would be the traffic! I would start again from scratch and try again with the whole road network with a bit of common sense!
To book a table at Aquila, head over to their website or give them a call on 0117 3210 322. To stay abreast of their movements, check them out on Facebook and Twitter.