Around 30 staff have lost their jobs following the shock closure of a Beeston restaurant, just seven months after it opened at the flagship £50m Beeston Square development. One of the workers at Ottimo said he was "heartbroken" by the news which came out of the blue.
Just two days earlier the restaurant - hailed "the perfect escape to Italy right here Beeston" - had revealed its Christmas menu. One of the anchor tenants at the new development, the contemporary style Italian restaurant opened at the end of April.
Located next to the tram stop, the restaurant was beneath the Arc Cinema and soon after opening it was joined by The Beeston Social, an all-day eatery and last night bar. In June it was revealed that dessert cafe Rassam's Creamery would be opening there around the autumn time, but it has yet to.
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With 150 seats Ottimo was one of the biggest restaurants in the town, if not the biggest. It boasted an open kitchen and huge pizza oven next to the bar. As well as pizza, Ottimo served classic pastas dishes, a Sunday roast and cocktails.
There has been no formal announcement about the restaurant closing. Ottimo was opened by Ross Considine and Nick Parker, who also run Saint Property Services. They first ventured into the hospitality sector in 2020 when Sans Patrie opened in Alfreton Road. Nottinghamshire Live has contacted them but hasn't had a response.
Customers were upset by the news. Geraldine Gray, of Chilwell, said: "I ate at Ottimo when it first opened with family. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant it had a city centre feel and I liked the industrial style interior design. I thought it was something really different for Beeston and hoped it might attract people to the town.
"The food and service were good and I recommended Ottimo to friends. It seemed to be in a good position near the new cinema but it's unfortunate it's first year clashed with the economic down turn, it's just a shame it couldn't make it into the new year, it's size would have been great for Christmas parties. I feel really sorry for the staff."
Joe Corr, half of Nottingham food blogging duo Guys Who Dine, said: "We're totally shocked to hear of the sudden closure of Ottimo. A lot of work and investment had gone into the premises to create a beautiful space from a shell. We thought the food, service and location would be very successful. It's not only a great loss for Beeston but for the hard working staff and so close to Christmas too."
Beeston Square was previously likened to the town's 'answer to Nottingham’s Cornerhouse', in a nod to the array of new businesses within the complex which compliment the cinema, the centrepiece of the multi-million-pound project. Business leaders also said the closure of the flagship Ottimo restaurant was 'disappointing'.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “While any business closure is disappointing, the Beeston Square development remains an attractive proposition that injects life into the town’s economy and regenerates a key area. A healthy mixture of retail and leisure amenities, along with homes, will be key to unlocking the potential of this exciting project by driving new footfall.
“There will often be bumps along the way for any new development, not least with the impact of the twin crises in the cost of living and cost of doing business, which is why it’s crucial Government prioritises getting the basics right in allowing businesses to succeed.”
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