A NEW Italian restaurant in Ramsbottom will throw open its doors to the public tomorrow.

Tre Ciccio, based in the former home of Ramsons, in Market Place, is the latest addition to the town’s bustling food and drink scene.

Over the past few months, the building has undergone an extensive refurbishment to create a ‘warm and stripped back’ look.

The results are stunning, with a cosy bar and open kitchen downstairs, while on the upper floor is an impressive restaurant space complete with a gorgeous open terrace and a retractable roof.

Tre Ciccio has already proved a hit in South Manchester, where owners James Gingell, Alan Ritchie and Francesco Scafuri have opened two restaurants in the last 12 months.

The trio had no intention of stopping there, though, and say their hearts were set on a site in Ramsbottom from the start.

Mr Ritchie said: “We are really happy to be in Ramsbottom. This was the town we first wanted to get into.

"We tried everything, but we could not get this site because it had had a fire.

“I have lived here since 1987, so I know the town well. There are some really good restaurants, but what we are offering is different and I think it will complement the others well.”

The idea behind Tre Ciccio was first devised three years when friends Francesco Scafuri and James Gingell took a trip to the former's family home in Campania in southern Italy.

After returning to the UK, the pair were inspired into opening their own restaurant specialising in Neapolitan dishes, such as wood-fired pizzas and Italian-style roast chicken with potato.

When friend and former colleague Alan Ritchie jumped on board, the trio came up with the restaurant’s name, which translates to ‘three chubby friends’.

They opened their first eatery in Altrincham last February, and its instant success led to them adding a second site in Bramhall, Stockport.

Now, after months of work behind the scenes, they are hopeful of replicating their success in Ramsbottom.

Mr Gingell, who lives in Hollins, said: “This is a great location and fits what we wanted to do.

“We are joining a band of independents here in Ramsbottom and we want to embrace the local community.

“Hopefully, we will give people what they want, which is great service, great hospitality, and great food and great drink at affordable prices.

“Our menu is not a big one, but what we do, we think we do very well.”

While Tre Ciccio prides itself on offering an authentic taste of southern Italy through the simplicity of its pizza and roast chicken-based dishes, there will also be a variety of specials on offer.

And on the drinks front, there is an extensive range of Italian wines, cocktails and beers.

The restaurant can seat up to 142 people, while there is also a private dining room in the basement, which can be booked by groups of up to 18.

The owners also have plans to use the basement space to set up a deli in the near future.

For more information, visit www.treciccio.co.uk.