Long-running restaurant San Marino to relocate after 26 years on local high street

San Marino has been serving Italian classics on Chester Road for more than 25 years and is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

It continued trading for takeaway and collection during the difficult pandemic, providing some much-needed comfort for its customers.

Now, owners Elisa Ricci and husband Ben Harman have announced they will be moving the restaurant to their other venue, Hanover Place in Deptford.

The latter has been closed since last year due to the difficulties of operating a pub within the tier-system restrictions, but will be reopening in May in line with the Government’s easing of restrictions to lead the country out of Lockdown.

A statement from the couple reads: “After this past year we have had a lot of time to consider the future and plan our way forward.

"We have ultimately come to the decision to move San Marino to our sister venue Hanover Place. We have done a lot of soul searching and spent many sleepless nights and felt this is the best move for Elisa and I.

"San Marino isn't just a building or a location, it is the staff, the food and the customers. We will be operating as normal from San Marino for this week but will close for the following two weeks to get ready for reopening in May.We hope you understand and continue to support us at our new home."

Any vouchers for San Marino can be transferred to Hanover Place.

San Marino was set up 26 years ago by Elisa’s dad Franco Ricci with his then business partner Fausto, before Ben bought the business a number of years ago.

Loyal customers, many of whom have visited the family-run restaurant for decades for countless meals and special occasions, took to its Facebook page to wish the pair luck.

One customer said: “After all these years...since 1996 I believe...it will be a huge miss not having you on Chester Road. V best of luck for the future though.”

Another said: “So sad for us as we have so many happy times over the 25 years with all our family, but we understand the tough decisions you’ve had to make. Will continue to support you in Hanover Place whenever we’re in the area.”

Deptford has been attracting more people recently with the creation of a large beer garden area at The Saltgrass, as well as a beer garden at the rear of The King’s Arms.

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