Scarlet Wines, of Lelant, and Antoninis, of Hayle, are to collaborate on a new project which will bring the two businesses together at The Old Forge.
In addition to theirs popular Italian restaurant in Hayle, which will stay open as usual, Becky and Mike Antonini are taking over the café and deli at The Old Forge — home of Scarlet Wines — which they will run alongside a wine and spirits store operated by the Scarlets team.
Owner of Scarlet Wines, Jon Keast, said: “We have been fortunate enough to grow Scarlet Wines as a café, deli, retail, and trade business over the last ten years to such an extent that the business now warrants separating into its constituent parts.
“Having set up a wine merchant a decade ago, with a passion for bringing fantastic wines to our customers, we are now re-focusing on that original vision. We’ll be doing this via a new retail space at The Old Forge, while continuing to expand our bespoke wholesale services to pubs and restaurants across West Cornwall.”
Mike and Becky have gained a loyal following at their Italian eatery in Hayle since establishing the restaurant in 2012.
Becky said: “Sister to Antoninis in Hayle, The Old Forge will have the same ethos of authentic ingredients, great flavours, and warm hospitality. With a small team of kitchen and front-of house staff we’ll provide a relaxed and friendly dining experience, serving seasonal, cheerful and nostalgic food.
“The bistro won’t be solely Italian, and we’ll continue to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Mediterranean feel, just as Jon and the team have done before us.
“Of course, customers will still be able to enjoy an extensive selection of wines, courtesy of Scarlets. We can’t wait to welcome old and new customers to The Old Forge.”
Meanwhile the new Scarlet Wines shop promises to be crammed full of eclectic, interesting and great value wines, plus artisan spirits, craft cider, and small-batch beers.
Jon said: “Wine lovers will find we have more time to talk, enthuse, and advise. For us it’s an opportunity to return to doing one thing really well — sourcing and sharing the wines we love.”
The Old Forge Bistro will officially open on February 4, as will the new wine store. Scarlet Wines will be closed on Sundays and Mondays throughout January to facilitate the changes.
