A NEW Italian set over two floors in the Cultural Quarter is opening in April – and the Warrington Guardian got to go behind the scenes to see how the restaurant is taking shape.

Charles Dobosz and Adam Smith, who met while working at Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines’ Abode in Manchester, are about to launch San Lorenzo.

The pair are currently transforming part of the Treasury Building into a plush restaurant overlooking Palmyra Square.

It is their third venture in Warrington in eight years after The Grill on the Square and Las Ramblas Wine and Tapas.

Original features have been restored including exposed wooden beams above an open plan 200 seat restaurant on the first floor.

There will also be an open kitchen so guests can watch their sourdough pizzas baking in the wood fired oven.

On top of that there will be a large Italian-style cocktail and Prosecco bar with an open fire.

And the finishing touch will be newly built terrace extension which will have a secret garden feel, with the decor changing seasonally.

Guests will be able to enjoy alfresco dining and table service drinks all year round as the terrace will be equipped for all seasons and the Great British weather.

Adam, an award-winning chef of 20 years who has previously worked at The Chester Grosvenor and Harvey Nichols, said: “In true authentic Italian style, our menus will be bursting with the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients.

“Great food starts with quality produce. The menus will consist of rustic Italian classics, along with new Italian inspired creations and lots of fresh seafood.”

Arturo Safrazyan, formerly of Piccolino in Stockton Heath, is the first member of staff to join the team as general manager but the restaurant will create around 50 jobs in the area.

Adam said: “We feel privileged to be able to develop our passion for food and service into our third restaurant in Warrington, and in such a historic building to the town”

Charles, who moved to Warrington from Paris, added: “The town centre is a great place to be with all of the new developments happening and we are proud to play a small part in the rejuvenation of the Cultural Quarter”

San Lorenzo is due to open in April.