Swish Italian restaurant and bar Piccolino opened its doors to hundreds of customers in Marlow this week.

Individual Restaurants, the group behind Piccolino and its predecessor on the High Street, the Marlow Bar and Grill, made quick work of overhauling number 92-94 between the brand transfer announcement in March and an opening date of Monday, May 20.

The new stylishly embellished interiors don’t look like a rushed job, however, and instead the restaurant’s official launch party was the only place to be on a quiet Thursday night in Marlow. 

200 guests packed into the modestly sized bar and dining area, sprawling out onto a heated terrace complete with a DJ booth, and tucked into canapes and champagne as they browsed the newly transformed space.

With wood panelling, diamond cut mirrors and extravagant greenery in every corner rivalling the delicacy of the artfully arranged amuse-bouches making the roads, it was safe to say the growing brand succeeded in ingratiating itself with members of the tight-knit community.

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A first taste of the menu, which spans freshly filleted fish, Fassona beef from North West Italy and pasta dishes like Carbonara Grande, prepared tableside from a huge pecorino cheese wheel, likely caught the eye of many soon-to-be repeat diners, and a retractable roof on the outdoor terrace looked tailor-made for those unpredictable summer rain spells.

Andrew Garton, CEO of Individual Restaurants, said he thought Piccolino was a better fit to Marlow than the former Bar and Grill brand had been, tapping more into the interests of the locale.

He added: “We’re thrilled to open the new Piccolino in Marlow, bringing authentic Italian cuisine and charming hospitality to the community. Piccolino replaces what was formerly Marlow Bar & Grill in what we hope will be a welcome change for our loyal guests.

“Here to mark a new era of Italian dining in Marlow, Piccolino promises to become the most sought-after dining destination for those seeking a taste of Italy. Our dedication to sourcing the best ingredients and celebrating Italy’s diverse cuisine is the heart and soul of Piccolino. We look forward to guiding diners on an unforgettable journey through Italian flavours, tradition and culinary excellence.”