Specialty Coffee shop Piccoloco, situated on Hassell Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme has become a staple in the town’s café culture. After scooping Café/Coffee Shop of the Year at the LoveNUL Business Awards, this father-and-son enterprise has gone from strength to strength since its move from market to shop.
Now, as the summer months approach, Piccoloco is set to evolve, bringing a slice of Italian charm to the evening scene.
Starting this summer, Piccoloco will extend its hours on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4pm to 9pm transforming into a vibrant spot for socialising over cocktails and cicchetti. Inspired by trips to Venice from over the years, co-owner Jonathan has infused his passion for Venetian culture, coffee, and cuisine into this exciting new venture.
But what exactly is cicchetti? Think of it as Venetian tapas—small, delectable dishes perfect for sharing. Cicchetti captures the essence of Venice’s sociable and relaxed dining style, making it an ideal addition to Newcastle’s summer evenings. Whether you’re unwinding after work or catching up with friends, these bite sized delights offer a perfect way to explore new textures and flavours.
Jonathan’s journey to this idea started with his love for Venice. Enchanted by the city’s rich culture, freshly brewed coffee, food and the iconic spritz, he envisioned bringing a piece of this experience back to Newcastle-under-Lyme. After careful consideration, he’s ready to introduce cicchetti to the town, offering dining that’s both sociable and perfect for the warmer months.
Guests can look forward to an array of cocktails and alcoholic beverages that complement the cicchetti, including a spritz done the Venetian way – with Select Aperitif, Bellini’s with homemade peach puree and a selection of wines. All tastes that echo the Venetian spirit and nods to the history.
The cicchetti menu at Piccoloco promises to delight with a variety of offerings. Traditional dishes like polpette (meatballs in sauce), and crostini, slices of bread topped with the likes of mackerel pâté, tomato, basil and mozzarella will feature alongside more intriguing options such as boiled egg and anchovy—a dish that Jonathan notes is “probably the most divisive offering but has gone down a hit with customers!”
Vegetarians and vegans won’t be left out either, as Piccoloco is committed to offering a range of plant-based cicchetti. “We’re looking forward to experimenting with flavours and ensuring there’s something for everyone.” says Jonathan.
As Newcastle-under-Lyme’s food scene continues to grow, Piccoloco’s new offering is a fantastic addition.
📍 2A Hassell Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme
📱 @caffepiccoloco
