The new Casablanca bar and lounge on Lord Street in Southport is now open!
The new venue is situated on the corner of Lord Street and Bold Street, in the site of the former Casa Italia restaurant.
It is owned by local business owners Luminita Maranda and Radu Ivan, who already run the successful Sapori restaurant next door.
Sapori recently celebrated its first birthday and the couple were keen to expand their enterprise with a bar and lounge that offers diners the chance to enjoy a few drinks before or after their meals at Sapori.
Casablanca will also be serving food to anyone feeling hungry.
Posting on Facebook tonight, Michael Alexander P wrote: “Just been in and it’s absolutely superb, great place, nice atmosphere and nice staff!”
Lisa Hampson wrote: “Good luck and congratulations, the bar looks amazing!! From your neighbours at Rummy’s Bar.”
The site has been empty for months and is another boost for Lord Street, which is seeing lots of redevelopment taking place this year.
Building work is currently taking place at the former Garrick Theatre / Mecca Bingo site, while a new climbing centre and cafe is due to open later this year.
Beales department store celebrated its first birthday earlier this month by opening a new discount clothing outlet on the first floor.
Previously, owned by the Grossi family, the former Casa Italia restaurant welcomed several celebrities over the years including Gary Lineker, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Dave Allen, Andy Gray, Les Dawson, and many more.
With the recent addition of the Sapori Italian restaurant and bar in Southport, owners Luminita Maranda and Radu Ivan have revealed their plans to convert Casa Italia into a bar and lounge.
The decision to expand their empire has been inspired by their customers, who have been looking and asking for recommendations on the best places to go for a drink after their meals.
Luminita Maranda said:
“We have been very excited to open our new venture there! We want to make a change to the place and reopen it as a pub.
“There have been several customers asking for suggestions of good places to go for a drink after enjoying their meal with us at Sapori, which had led to us thinking that we should reopen Casa Italia as a pub.
“Our new venue is going to provide pub food, such as burgers, tapas, maybe we will do some Sunday roast dinners too.”
Sapori Italian restaurant and bar, which serves classic Italian dishes alongside an outstanding wine list and several choices of cocktails, opened its doors at 519-521 Lord Street last year, in the former Salvatore’s restaurant building.
Sapori represents a style of traditional, home-cooked Italian food, recreated in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere to bring diners an authentic experience of fantastic Italian food. With its second-floor private space available for hire, Sapori is also an ideal venue for any special occasion.
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