A COUPLE have opened their first business together, bringing fresh Italian dishes to Stanmore.

Chef Lorenzo Tataru has opened Trattoria Di Lorenzo with his wife Sabina, taking over the former Mexigo shop in Wavell Way.

The couple live in Bracknell, where Lorenzo, 32, worked as a head chef for 10 years, but have always loved the community feel of Winchester and are hoping to move to the area soon.

Hampshire Chronicle: Sabina TataruSabina Tataru (Image: Sabina Tataru)

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Sabina, 28, said: “We visited Winchester about six years ago and we were really impressed by the architecture and the people here are really friendly. It was the type of family environment we were looking for.

“The launch was amazing, we had lots of interest. It was really good and we got such a warm welcome which we really appreciated.

“We’re quite confident that we’re going to make it work and we’re going to introduce some new lunch dishes. It’s a restaurant menu and everything has been freshly made.

“There are lots of places in central Winchester with good reviews but it’s a place for absolutely everyone. If you serve good food people will come back.

“This is new beginning and adventure for us and we’re looking forward to a great future here.”

Following the launch on Saturday, November 18, the business is hoping to hire one person to work front of house in the evenings.

Former unit occupant, Mexigo, was forced to close its Winchester branch due to inconsistent trade away from the city centre.

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Mexigo made the announcement at the beginning of the month, posting on Facebook: “It’s with great sadness and consideration that we’ve come to the decision to close our store here in Winchester.

“When we launched here in Stanmore, we wanted to try something new. Opening a smaller takeaway and delivery version of our existing restaurant in Southampton, but based in the suburbs instead of a city centre location, it was always something of an experiment.

“We have met and served some wonderful people, made new friends and been warmly welcomed in the area, but sadly also discovered the struggles in consistent trade with being based in an out-of-town location - something we knew might be difficult, together with the huge increase in utilities and general costs.

“We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our customers, our staff past and present and anyone who has been involved. We of course still have our restaurant in London Road in Southampton, and we hope you might visit us there when you get the chance.”

Trattoria Di Lorenzo is open for takeaway and delivery. For more information go to facebook.com/trattoriadilorenzo or call 07701 294020.