A manager who has worked at one of the world’s leading Mediterranean restaurants has been appointed by the newly opened £2m Leeds restaurant and bar, Convive.
Sardinian-born Giovannino ‘Gio’ Conti, [insert age], has been appointed by managing director of Weetwood Hall, Martin Hicks, who is behind Leeds’ newest restaurant venture, Convive.
Convive, which opened in mid-February, is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant bringing a Mediterranean lifestyle to the suburbs of Leeds.
Part of the University of Leeds-owned Weetwood Hall estate, the new restaurant retains an independent identity and is open to customers looking for a high quality dining experience outside of the city centre as well as guests staying at the popular hotel complex.
Gio has previously worked in some of the best restaurants in the world including award-winning BiCE Mare, one of the finest restaurants in Dubai serving Italian cuisine and fresh seafood. He has also worked at some of the finest Mediterranean restaurants in his native Italy and Europe. .
At Convive, Gio has re-united with his ex-colleague, head chef Francis Cowlam with whom he worked for several years in Ilkley. He’ll also be working closely with Leeds restaurateur Martin Pickles who is an ambassador for Convive, plus talented sous chef Najam Ur Rehman, who was previously at Brasserie Blanc in Leeds and the rest of the kitchen and bar team.
Gio commented: “We’ve got off to a flying start at Convive and the reception from diners has been fantastic. I’m relishing putting my Mediterranean experience to effective use helping to create an authentic and unforgettable dining experience for guests. Having worked at some world class restaurants I know we’ve created a very exciting addition to the vibrant dining scene in Leeds.”
Managing Director of Weetwood Hall and Convive, Martin Hicks, said: “Gio is an outstanding manager with an impeccable CV, he is simply perfect for Convive. Since we opened last month we’ve proved that that there is an appetite for high-quality Mediterranean dining beyond the city centre and I believe we’re helping to change the perception of dining in a dynamic city like Leeds. We’re glad to be part of the exciting food and drink scene that is growing throughout the city and excited to be bringing something fresh and exciting to the table.”
Convive is a 120 seat restaurant and bar where guests can enjoy a full dining experience including an alfresco area under a retractable roof within the gardens. It will also be twinned with Mediterranean restaurants across Europe creating inspiration through innovative chef swaps and ingredient sourcing on quality food and drink. Many ingredients used in the kitchens are sourced from local Yorkshire suppliers.
For more information about Convive visit www.conviveleeds.co.uk
