Bespoke wine bar Veeno is set to launch on July 16th its latest outlet on 86 High Street, Reigate. Veeno specialises in capturing ‘the tradition of the Italian Aperitivo’ – an after-work culture of drinking, eating Italian-style appetisers and small dishes while relaxing with colleagues, friends and family.

 

The outlet, which has seven branches across the UK, Bristol, Chester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Reading and Stratford upon Avon was formed in 2013 and takes its inspiration from the Caruso and Minini family vineyard in Sicily, established by Antonio Caruso, great-grandfather to Veeno’s founder, Nino Caruso.

 

As well as its exclusive wine offering, which includes wine tasting experiences, food and wine pairings, Veeno will be the only outlet in Reigate to champion an ‘Aperitivo’ culture – a tradition that encourages guests to come together with friends or family, unwind with good conversation, and stimulate the appetite.

 

Alongside their family-grown Sicilian wine, Veeno serves authentic ‘Spuntini’ – sharing boards of meats, cheeses and other mouth-watering appetisers imported from individually selected producers in Italy. The food menu also includes pizza and pasta, as well as tasty Italian desserts such as Veeno’s coveted family ‘Tiramisu recipe’.

 

Founder Nino Caruso said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Veeno experience to Reigate. Veeno is about bringing people together to relax and to share some delicious food and quality drinks, in an attractive setting”. It’s similar in concept to sharing tapas and drinks in a leisurely setting and we want our guests to have a great experience”.

 

Owner Rodrigue Trouillet said: “We are very excited to be part of this fantastic town which has so much to offer - Veeno will fit in seamlessly! We felt that there was a gap in the market in Reigate for an outlet such as ours, which provides a genuine authentic Italian experience, a superb lunchtime menu and an excellent venue for weekend drinking and dining. We’re excited to give Reigate the opportunity to sample the Veeno experience and live La Dolce Vita!”

 

The site will be operated as a franchised outlet, with John Spriggs becoming the second Franchisee of the brand.

John commented on this new adventure: “After a twenty-year retail/wholesale franchise career in fashion, I made the leap to Food & Beverages sooner than I thought I would. The past year being what it was, made me realise that there was no time like the present! Being new to the industry but having the experience of how the franchise world works, I knew that I should not make that leap alone. I met with Veeno as my first (and subsequently only) choice and have not looked back since!

 

It is a hugely exciting time for me in my career and for me personally and I could not be more ready for what is to come in Reigate. Veeno has been by my side since day one and not only have I gained a wealth of knowledge and insight already; I made the right decision not to go it alone.”