October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to support those affected by breast cancer, raise awareness about the disease, and fundraise for research. This year, we’re introducing a special cocktail that not only delights your taste buds but also contributes to a vital cause. Meet Rosa, a cocktail created with care and garnished with a whimsical touch of pink candy floss.

Flying Pizza in Roundhay, Leeds has established itself as an iconic institution, attracting a diverse range of visitors over the years. It stands out as one of the most prestigious restaurants in the region. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary since first opening its doors in 1974, as Adriano’s Flying Pizza.

Adriano and Carlo have maintained a strong friendship throughout the years. Their bond developed years ago when Carlo would bring his children, Marcelo (our current CEO), and Sacha Distefano (our current COO), to Flying Pizza every Sunday when they were kids.

Marcello recalls being fascinated by the supercars parked outside when he was a child, commenting that ‘It felt like a showroom at the front of the restaurant.’ He envisions Flying Pizza thriving for another 50 years, even if he is no longer around, wishing for someone else to preserve the restaurant and its legacy.

Today, Flying Pizza is managed by our very own Daniele Atzori, who is loved amongst our loyal customers and serves as one of our exceptional General Managers. With experience in launching new locations, Daniele shared, “I have led numerous site openings for various companies and my own personal venture from 2004 to 2009 in Wylde Green, located north of Birmingham.”

We asked him about the future goals for Flying Pizza over the next year. His response was simple, “Our objective is to become the top Italian restaurant in the region, and truth be told, we are well on our way to achieving just that.”

The San Carlo group love being apart of a piece of Roundhay history and look forward to the next 50 years.

The well-known Flying Pizza, located on Street Lane in Roundhay, has reopened after a £2 million renovation.

The primary objective is to create authentic and delicious Italian food. Yet, our CEO, Marcello Distefano, places special emphasis on ensuring that a visit to a San Carlo restaurant promises an unforgettable experience. From the delectable dishes to the service and ambiance, every aspect of a San Carlo restaurant offers a truly exceptional dining experience.

Staying true to the San Carlo style, the wall art played a pivotal role in the design. Our internal design team meticulously selected a range of artwork that enhances the ambiance and resonates with our visitors. They sourced pieces from various places, with a special emphasis on highlighting the creativity and skill of local artists.

We have highlighted three, local artists and the unique artwork they crafted specifically for Flying Pizza.

Suzanne Bethell, based in her studio at Goyt Mill in Marple, delves into how the interplay of colours can elicit strong, personal reactions in viewers. She characterises her work as experimental, utilising mixed media to craft paintings, assemblages, and mono prints.

Each new series is sparked by an emotional response to a fusion of internal and external stimuli, such as resurfacing memories and moments in time. These inspirations may stem from a sense of place, a piece of poetry, or music. Her artwork, ‘Stormy Days,’ is prominently displayed in our private dining room.

Joe O’Rourke is the second artist in our spotlight series who has produced artwork for Flying Pizza. Situated in Bankley Studios in Levenshulme, Joe not only focuses on his personal art but also teaches fine art at Edinburgh College of Art.

Joe follows a complex process in his art creation, referring to painting as a daily companion that enables him to explore a diverse range of ideas, thoughts, and emotions. Our design team chose a print of his remarkable painting, ‘The Night Comes On,’ for its intricate and thought-provoking essence, proudly displayed in our main dining room.

Rob Hardman, who is also known as IAmBob, is an artist located in Manchester. Using art as a form of personal therapy, he is the third and last artist showcased in our series that shines a spotlight on the talented individuals responsible for the artwork showcased at Flying Pizza.

Rob has produced several artworks for the restaurant, with ‘Fruit Bowl’ being a standout piece. Describing his creative process as a moment of pure immersion, he escapes the daily worries and stresses. His goal is to craft art that offers an escape, enabling viewers to transcend their personal concerns, fostering a connection that invokes emotion or feeling.

We look forward to welcoming you all at the Flying Pizza, where our goal is to satisfy not just your appetites but also your hearts and souls.

Flying Pizza will be reopening its doors on May 24, 2024, following a thorough refurbishment, and we are excited to welcome you back!

Speaking with Ian Garraway, our Head of Property & Design at San Carlo Restaurant Group, explains the tremendous work and the design process that has gone into the refurbishment of Flying Pizza. “Hopefully the people of Roundhay enjoy our re-imagining of Flying Pizza, and that it can continue to be a community asset they can be proud of.”

Flying Pizza has seen an investment of over £2 million, inspired by the successful refurbishments of San Carlo Liverpool and San Carlo Alderley Edge. These refurbishments set the tone for the new design language of the San Carlo Restaurant Group. The fresh aesthetic is influenced by classical heritage and the tradition of Grand Milanese villas, resulting in a bright and spacious restaurant ambiance. The addition of terrazzo floors, reminiscent of villa aesthetics, enhances the overall dining experience.

This year marks the 50th year of Flying Pizza which is noticeable throughout the aesthetic and signage referencing the heritage of the original Adriano’s Flying Pizza, giving the site it’s unique character amongst San Carlo restaurants. Historical elements such as the logo have been reprised and the retractable roof has been refreshed, meaning the terrace is looking better than ever.

The process of selecting artwork plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and aesthetic of a San Carlo restaurant, which is mirrored at Flying Pizza. Various artists from the North West of England have been chosen to showcase unique pieces across Flying Pizza, featuring works by Suzanne Bethell, Joe O’Rourke, and Rob Hardman, among others. Jessalyn Brooks will also contribute to revamping the dining room, having previously created murals at San Carlo Liverpool and Cicchetti Knightsbridge.

Ian stated that “More than anything, with sites such as Flying Pizza it is about evolving the restaurant so that they can continue to cater for generations to come. This is as much about knowing what people love about the site, as what can be improved. I am confident that the refurbishment at Flying Pizza will be a dramatic improvement on the previous Flying Pizza, without losing any of the key Flying Pizza charm and identity.”

We look forward to welcoming you back to Flying Pizza and for many more years ahead.