The owner of San Fedele in West Kirby has revealed the wine bar was inspired by childhood trips to Italy.
John Invernizzi’s dad Giuseppe owned two Italian restaurants in Edinburgh, and holidays were spent with his father in his home town of San Fedele.
John told West Kirby Today: “We would travel across Lombardia visiting lots of small towns and villages especially around Como.
“All these towns had a small bar just like San Fedele, warm, cosy, a space where locals would gather, to meet to talk and of course to enjoy the local wine!
“My partner and I moved to West Kirby in the days of lockdown in March 2020. We had enjoyed many great nights in the bar when it was owned by the guys at Barbetta. We had a real sense that given the opportunity we could use the history and heritage of my Italian roots to bring a little piece of Italian sunshine to the little bar!“
John took the chance to open the bar, located in front of West Kirby train station, after taking early retirement from his job teaching at a college last autumn.
He said: “The concept for the wine bar is to provide a little piece of Italy to the people of West Kirby. For us that means value for money, authentic produce and genuine warm hospitality.
“The offer is simple and authentic Italia cured meats and cheeses served as sharing boards with delicious focaccia, walnuts, grapes and honey! Carefully selected Italian wines, spirits and beers provided by the same Italian supplier dad used to use back in Edinburgh!
“From the moment we opened our doors the support from the local community and further afield has been amazing. I think they seem to understand and appreciate the heritage, history and inspiration behind the bar. Local businesses have also been incredibly supportive with advice, guidance and encouragement.”He has launched a series of monthly events – the San Fedele Social Club, ranging from cocktail tasting, learning Italian, a collaboration with the West Kirby Bookshop looking at Italian literature and a visit from the NME photographer who was at the last night of the Wigan Casino.
Top photo: John and his partner outside San Fedele when it opened