A Nottinghamshire restaurant has been named the best in the Midlands. Located in Upper Saxondale, diners say Venezia is a little out of the way but 'well worth the drive' to savour a menu of freshly cooked Italian starters, mains and desserts.
The restaurant scooped the crown for best Italian restaurant at the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards - the only Notts venue to celebrate a win at the Birmingham-based ceremony. The restaurant, where seafood is a speciality, proved popular when the entire Nottingham Forest squad visited last year ahead of the new season.
The restaurant triumphed over another Notts contender, La Storia in West Bridgford, and six other finalists from Birmingham and Leicester. Owner Erjon Ferracaku said: "We're over the moon".
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Venezia has been open for nearly a decade in the the former Saxondale Hospital building, dating back to 1902, in Westminster Drive. The menu features antipasti such as bruschetta, mussels, calamari and buffalo mozzarella. Amongst the dishes showcasing seafood are lobster ravioli, linguine crab, monkfish and tagliatelle, and the signature dish of fish stew with prawns, fish, mussels and calamari in a white wine and tomato sauce.
Other mains include beef stoganoff, lamb rump and steak. And of course, it wouldn't be an Italian restaurant without pizza and lasagne.
Reviews praising Venezia describe it as "utterly superb" and "absolutely fantastic", as well as being child-friendly. One diner said: "Food was delicious, atmosphere was amazing and service was brilliant." Mr Ferracaku also owns Casa, the Italian restaurant in Upper Parliament Street, in Nottingham city centre.
Following a public vote the finalists were judged by a panel of hospitality experts led Tony Elvin, general manager of Touchwood Shopping Centre and founder of The Wine Events Company. Awards went to 27 businesses and individuals in categories including independent coffee shop of the year, best traditional pub and best desi restaurant.
Nottinghamshire finalists were the Lace Market Hotel for best afternoon tea, and boutique hotel of the year; Redsmith Distillery for best brewery/distillery; Six Richmond House for best cocktail bar; Colombo Street for best south Asian restaurant, and the Soulville Steakhouse for best steakhouse.
Despite no local win, gastro pub of the year was dominated by Notts finalists, the Cock & Hoop at Lace Market Hotel, and the Secret Pub Company's The Plough in Normanton-on-the Wolds, The Radcliffe, Radcliffe-on-Trent and The Railway in Lowdham.
Chef of the year was fiercely contested by some of the finest in Notts, Ashley Sherrocks from the Lace Market Hotel, private chef Louisa Ellis and Reece Elliot of Six Richmond House.
The Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards are organised by BEvents. Co-founder Anita Chumber, said: "These 27 outstanding businesses and individuals have truly showcased the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of the Midlands where their exceptional achievements have not only elevated the regions hospitality industry but also created memorable experiences for all.
“After a couple of turbulent years for the sector, we are proud to have been able to cast a spotlight on the Midlands as a hub for extraordinary food and drink. Together, we raised a glass to these outstanding heroes of hospitality who continue to set a new standard of excellence.”
