F-word winning Italian restaurant expands with help from Santander

Salvo's Italian Restaurant in Headingley, Leeds, is expanding after purchasing additional premises adjacent to its existing restaurant on Otley Road, financed by Santander Corporate Banking.

Now considered a Headingley institution, Salvo's is a family-run restaurant established in 1976 by Salvo Dammone. The restaurant is today managed by Salvo's sons Gip and John, who have been involved in the restaurant all their lives.

The restaurant has won a number of awards over the years and recently welcomed their two millionth customer who received a complimentary lunch and a bottle of chilled prosecco when they walked through the door.

Regularly featured in the Good Food Guide, Salvo's has received numerous national and regional titles. In 2010 the restaurant received a Yorkshire Life award, two Leeds Guide awards and their first AA Rosette was presented. Salvo's was also voted the UK's Best Neighbourhood Italian Restaurant on Channel Four's The F Word by Gordon Ramsay.

John Dammone, Managing Director, said: "Without the support of our customers, Headingley residents, parish heads, our bank and the general public we wouldn't be sharing the news of our expansion plans.

"The new building purchase means that we can seat a further 22 diners, allow more space between tables and provide a larger area for guests to wait before being seated. The bar staff will also have a bigger work space for their wine pouring and cocktail making. It also gives us the opportunity to take on extra staff, providing more jobs for the local area.  The expansion should make this year an exciting one.

"We have been delighted with the support we have received from the Santander Corporate Banking team, particularly our relationship manager. He took the time to fully understand our business before discussing our needs and I look forward to developing our relationship over the coming months and years." 

James Hall-Moorehouse, Relationship Manager at Santander's Yorkshire Corporate Banking Centre, said: "Santander Corporate Banking is committed to supporting strong, viable businesses such as Salvo's by building mutually beneficial long-term relationships. Salvo's Restaurant has all the ingredients needed for success - an experienced management team, strong business model and sensible growth strategy - and I am delighted that we have been able to aid their expansion. I look forward to working closely with John and Gip going forward."

For further information on the range of services available from Santander Corporate Banking, business owners and finance directors can visit santandercb.co.uk.