Here at VIVA, we were lucky enough to be invited to try out the new menu at Gino D’Acampo’s Pizza and Prosecco Bar.

As we arrived at the restaurant (located on the second floor of Next, in the Arndale), we were greeted by the manager and guided over to the bar area.

The sun was flooding in through the wall of windows, opening up an incredible, panoramic view of the shoppers and other diners below – ideal for a sunny day!

Before we were given the menu, our host for the evening introduced us to the new bar; giving us some insight in to the concept of the Pizza and Prosecco Bar. We were told that the idea was to serve up the simplicity of classic Italian pizza and prosecco, but deliver it with the finest, Italian ingredients and skill.

After a quick tour of the bar and having a peak at the hundreds of photographs of Gino and his friends scattered all over the walls, we were given our drinks.

With so much to choose from, our waiter picked out two drinks for us to try. We had a Collesi – a strawberry and hibiscus gin and tonic and a glass of Ferghettina Milledí – an Italian brut called Franciacorta, that is apparently Italy’s answer to Champagne. It uses the same grapes and production method. Both drinks were delicious and worth a try!

Our waiter explained that the bar has a selection of Italian prosecco and wine that is not available anywhere else in the UK and is exclusive to Gino D’Acampo, My Pizza & Prosecco Bar.

He then asked if we would like to taste a selection of their exclusive prosecco – which we could not decline! We were given a selection of Andreola Millesimato and Andreola Cartizze, Tonon Villa Teresa Bio and two varieties of San Venanzio (one brut and one extra dry), accompanied by a selection of olives and cheese drizzled with truffle honey!

Our favourite drink was the San Venanzio extra dry.

We were then taken to our table, positioned in front of the panoramic windows, with a great view of the Printworks and Corn Exchange, and were presented with an array of antipasti to taste and nibble on whilst sipping on our chosen prosecco.

If I had to recommend just one thing to try from the menu, it would be the king prawn bruschetta from the antipasti menu. Such a lovely dish of toasted ciabatta, smothered with chilli mayo and topped with king prawns – amazing and like nothing I have tasted before.

Of course, we couldn’t come to Gino D’Acampo, My Pizza & Prosecco Bar and not try a pizza!

The waiter recommended the Real Neapolitan – topped with Italian sausage, friarelli, mozzerella and chilli and The pizza of the week – which in this case came with ham, mushroom, artichoke and olives.

Both had toppings that I would not usually go for with a pizza. If I visited again, I would stick with more traditional toppings, but if you’re up for trying something new, opt for one of these.

At this point, we were stuffed (in a good way), but with dessert still to come, we couldn’t turn it down.

To accompany our coffee (which is again, is an exclusive blend that is not available anywhere else in the UK), we were given a plate of desserts, featuring – the Chocolate and nutella fudge cake, orange and polenta cake and tiramisu. Here, my favourite was definitely the tiramisu; extremelly light, and the perfect way to top of a lovely meal.

Overall, my experience at Gino D’Acampo, My Pizza & Prosecco Bar was one of the best I have had in terms of how welcoming the team were, how enthusiastic they were to share their knowledge of the authenticity of the ingredients used and how beautiful the space was; it really did feel like I had been transported to Italy. If you go on a sunny day, you’re in luck!

 

To find out more about the menu or book a table, click here.