AN Italian eatery in Darwen has been named the best deli in the country at a prestigious awards ceremony.

DeliCarlo clinched the trophy for the best deli-cafe at the English Italian Awards held at the Palace Hotel in Manchester.

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The restaurant in Croft Street made it to the final from votes by customers online before seeing off ten other finalists to grab a prize at the first attempt.

Carlo Ricioppo, owner, said he couldn’t imagine his team would have settled for anything else but a win.

He said: “We are delighted with the win, it’s been a huge team effort.

“I think what we pride ourselves on is doing things properly, prioritising quality.

“Our customers always say that they love that we are quite authentic and I think that’s probably what swayed the judges.

“We aren’t too flashy, we like to keep it real and people love it.

“With all the Italian music that we play for example, people don’t feel like they’re in Darwen when they are with us.

“I was astounded that we won an award after entering for the first time, just a runner-up would have been nice.

“I don’t think the staff would’ve settled for anything else but a win though.

“We just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for us, if they keep continuing to support us then we will keep giving them what they want.

“Well done to all the staff as well who work so hard.”

DeliCarlo has been giving Darreners a taste of Italy for around nine years since its humble beginnings in the three-day market.

Customers can buy a wide range of Italian produce including bread, pasta and meat plus enjoy an extensive lunch menu including wraps and paninis.

Staff have now been in their current base just by the five-day market entrance for six years and Mr Ricioppo thinks the future is bright.

He said: “I think we would like to get a bit more room in the place, as our reputation has grown we have got more and more people coming in wanting to try our offering.”

Elsewhere in East Lancashire The Pack Restaurant and Bar in Belthorn came joint runner-up in the Best Pizza category.

Cllr Dave Smith, councillor for Sunnyhurst, said: “I have visit DeliCarlo many times, I often buy salami from there and it’s an excellent place. Carlo has worked very hard with the business and this win is well deserved.”