Paolo and Donato Cillo said they couldn’t have chosen a better location for the new site
Guiseppe from Gran Caffe and Italian Quarter off Williamson Square(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Authentic Italian coffee house Gran Caffè is gearing up to launch its fourth site in the city centre. The business venture is the brainchild of brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo and marks the siblings’ third site in just over a year.
Their inaugural shop kicked off over ten years ago, becoming a staple in the famed Italian Quarter located in Williamson Square. Following successful expansions, their Lark Lane and Duke Street establishments opened their doors post-Christmas 2023. In January 2025, we will see the new venue come to life on Jesse Hartley Way, Park Central.
Speaking to the ECHO, co-owner Donato Cillo, originally from Potenza in Basilicata, said: “We’ve been so excited to open on Jesse Hartley Way since we had confirmation on the space. Now that we’re renovating and our vision is starting to come to life, we’re so proud that Gran Caffè is expanding once again in Liverpool.
“Opening Gran Caffè was a chance for us to share our Italian heritage and culture with the people of Liverpool. We’re very excited to open our doors in the New Year.”
Renowned as a pasticceria – which translates to cake and pastry shop – Gran Caffè has been serving its delicacies, including its speciality croissants and doughnuts, to the people of Merseyside for over a decade now. Originally opening as P&D Deli, the venue underwent a “renaissance to reflect the ingredients used and the varied selection of traditional Italian coffees” served within the venue.
The venue is loved for its signature breakfast pastries, which are handcrafted in-house by the pastry team, headed up by Donato’s wife, Antonietta.
Paolo and Donato Cillo at the opening of their Lark Lane Gran Caffe(Image: Gran Caffè)
Donato added: “We couldn’t have chosen a better location for our fourth Gran Caffè. This venue will be accompanied by our bakery next door, which will adjoin Gran Caffè, where fresh bread will also be available.”
The 2025 site will be the first where the family bakery is connected, allowing guests to enjoy pastries, cakes and coffee at Gran Caffè before heading next door to purchase loaves of sourdough bread.
Paolo added: “The last 12 months have been transformational for Gran Caffè. After having our flagship site in Williamson Square for over a decade, it was the right time for us to expand into other areas of the city centre and beyond in South Liverpool.”