At a time when some independent eateries have struggled to survive a new family-owned Italian bistro is thriving.

The owner of Fresco Café and Eatery, in Merrial Street, Newcastle, says business has been very busy since she opened the doors in November 2024.

Ella Kacala, who had previously run a business catering for workplaces, serves homemade Italian dishes created using fresh ingredients.

Born in Poland and now living in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Ella chose to focus on Italian food because of her love of the country and its cuisine. She has a team of three staff.

“I very much like Italian food,” she said. “I love the country too, it’s my favourite place for holidays.

“Fresco means fresh in Italian, which sums up what we do. In our first three months we have been very busy and we’re still having people find us for the first time as well as others coming back for repeat visits.”

Fresco has been nominated in the Start-up of the Year and High Street Impact categories of the University of Staffordshire Business Awards by Tomasz Putynkowski.

He said: “In a short period of time Fresco Cafe and Eatery has achieved growth which is very impressive in recent market challenges.

“The bistro has quickly established itself as a go-to destination, small parties destination and good food atmosphere place in Newcastle.”

Ella added: “I was so surprised when I heard I’d been nominated for an award because it’s something new for me. I’m very happy.”