Crowland pizza and pasta takeaway restaurant Giuliano to be reopened with new look by two friends

It will be ‘all hands on deck’ as two friends take on the management of a popular town eatery today.

The pizza and pasta restaurant Giuliano on East Street in Crowland will be taken on by business partners Jason Watson and Daniel D’Angelo.

Pep Giuliano has owned and run the restaurant since 2010 and is leaving, so the duo decided to buy the business and will officially the doors today (Friday).

Mr Watson, who currently works with Mr D’Angelo for an insurance company, said: “We have worked together for eight years in Peterborough for the same company.

“We have spoken for years about having our own place - it always came up.

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“We nearly opened a fish and chip shop. There has always been something on the horizon.”

The business partners have set up a catering company and have been making some changes since Sunday, ready for the big launch.

Mr Watson, who confirmed the name of the restaurant will remain as Giuliano, said ahead of the launch: “It’s going to be a mad few days - we didn't want to cancel any bookings.

“It'll work fine and things will get done slowly and surely.

“It will be all hands on deck. We are doing some panelling, painting and decorating.

“We will reupholster the seats, add some wall art, and spruce up the bathrooms to start with.

“We have got plans in place to put a new bar in but that will take a while to get done.”

The menu will continue to include customers’ firm favourites – pizza and pasta – with some special additions planned.

Mr Watson, who lives in Holbeach but would like to move to Crowland eventually, said: “We will be carrying on doing Italian style foods and just adapting the menu already there.

“It works so well and is such a busy little restaurant right in the heart of Crowland.

“Stone based pizzas are the best sellers and we will bring a few twists and a few new ideas.

“There will be home made desserts and we've got a company supplying wines so that we can serve a selection and have a new wine list.”

The business partners will remain in their day jobs and run the restaurant alongside them.

Mr D’Angelo, who currently lives in Peterborough, is a school friend of the original owner Pep Giuliano, who has been helpful in the transition period.

Mr Watson said: “Dan and Pep used to go to school together.

“He (Pep) has let us help in the last four to five weeks and help us get to know the regulars who use the pizza takeaway and eat in the restaurant.”

Family and friends were invited to go along as VIPs last night (Thursday) to sample some of the dishes before the restaurant officially opened.

Customers are able to follow the pizzeria on Facebook, Instagram and soon TikTok. The logo and outside sign will be modernised and freshened up – and there is a plan to create a website.

Mr Watson added: “The opening hours will remain the same and will be extended to open for Mothering Sunday and Easter Sunday – which was never done before.”

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