Gran Caffè set to open new dockside venue this Sunday with free coffee, croissants and gelato

Gran Caffè is set to open it’s fourth venue in the city this Sunday (March 23) on Jesse Hartley Way near Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

Gran Caffè is bringing a slice of authentic Italian café culture to Liverpool’s Dockside with a brand-new venue opening on Sunday, 23rd March at 10am. To celebrate, the first guest will be treated to their signature giant croissant—a half-metre croissant baked in-house and believed to be the biggest in the UK. The next 99 visitors will receive a free coffee, a freshly baked croissant, or a scoop of their award-winning artisan gelato, which comes in a variety of unique, handcrafted flavours.

It is known for its authentic Italian coffee, handcrafted pastries, gourmet sandwiches on homemade sourdough, and award-winning gelato made fresh daily. Owned by Italian brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo, the pasticceria has been serving the city for over a decade, first opening in Williamson Square as part of the vibrant Italian Quarter. Their latest opening on Jesse Hartley Way, Park Central, marks their third city centre location, alongside their venues in the Italian Quarter and Duke Street, as well as their bustling café on Lark Lane.

Unlike their other venues this will be the first location where the family bakery is connected to the site allowing guests to enjoy fresh pastries, cakes and coffee at Gran Caffè before heading next door to purchase fresh loaves of sourdough bread from Carmine Bakery which is owned by Paolo and Donato’s brother. The pastry team, led by Donato’s wife, Antonietta, bakes signature breakfast pastries fresh every day, with popular brunch dishes like Full English breakfasts, Eggs Benedict, and Avocado Toast, all given a Gran Caffè twist—served on their delicious, flaky croissants.

From 12pm to 8pm, the café continues to serve up authentic Italian flavours, including lasagna, tagliatelle bolognese, arancini, bruschettas, calamari, and focaccia, alongside a selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Whether stopping by for a quick espresso and pastry or settling in for a relaxed meal, Gran Caffè brings an authentic taste of Italy to the heart of Liverpool.

With its rich coffee culture, handcrafted food, and family-run heritage, Gran Caffè, which translates to “Great Coffee,” has become a go-to destination for coffee lovers and foodies alike. Doors open on their new site at 10am on Sunday, 23rd March.

Donato Cillo, co-owner of Gran Caffè, said:

“Paolo and I are incredibly proud to open our fourth site in Liverpool and be part of the development of the surrounding area around Jesse Hartley Way and Bramley Moore Dock. It’s a fantastic time for this part of town and we’re very excited to be part of it. Gran Caffè is renowned for its quality coffee, signature croissants and brunch dishes and award-winning gelato, and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming familiar faces as well as new guests to our latest site.”

Paolo Cillo, co-owner of Gran Caffè, 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, and we can’t wait to introduce Gran Caffè to Park Central in early 2025.”

Find out more about Gran Caffè here.

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