Gran Caffè opens on Lark Lane and the first 100 customers getting free coffee and croissants

The first person to enter will receive Gran Caffè’s signature, giant half a metre croissant and the other 99 guests will have their choice of coffee or one of the Italian coffee shop’s homemade croissants or a scoop of artisan gelato

Gran Caffè, Liverpool’s authentic Italian coffee shop, will open on Lark Lane in the heart of South Liverpool on Saturday 29th June.

Renowned for its Italian coffee, handcrafted pastries, delicious sandwiches served on their homemade bread, and its award-winning, artisan gelato that’s made in-house everyday, Gran Caffè is a pasticceria – which translates to cake and pastry shop – and has been serving its Italian delicacies in Liverpool for over 10 years.  

Opening their doors from 9am on Saturday 29th June, the first 100 guests to visit the new Gran Caffè on Lark Lane will receive a complimentary coffee of their choice or one of their freshly baked croissants or a scoop of artisan gelato with a variety of unique flavours to choose from.

And the first visitor to walk through the doors will be treated to Gran Caffè’s famous giant croissant, which is arguably the longest in the U.K. 

Owned by Italian brothers Paolo and Donato Cillo, Gran Caffè first opened in Williamson Square as part of the popular Italian Quarter over 10 years ago.

Since then, the authentic, family business has enjoyed fantastic growth, opening another coffee shop on Duke Street in December 2023.

This third Gran Caffè is the first to open outside of Liverpool city centre, on the city’s bustling Lark Lane, and has an even further developed menu and all day offering.

Gran Caffè Lark Lane serves its signature breakfast pastries that are handcrafted in-house and baked fresh each day by their talented pastry team that is headed up by Donato’s wife Antonietta, as well as a selection of unique brunch dishes. 

Open everyday, from 8.30am-4pm, guests can tuck into Benedict Croissants, their smoked salmon stuffed macaroon, Ox cheek cubed croissant as well as Gran Caffè full breakfasts, and many other breakfast dishes.

Throughout the day, there’s delicious salads including spinach, tofu and truffle, an authentic Italian tricolore salad and a selection of sandwiches such as the steak ciabatta, club sandwich and vegan stack.

Lark Lane’s menu also now includes Italian small and large plates that are perfect for lunch and dinner with a special Aperitivo Tower; much like Afternoon Tea but with olives and bruschetta, charcuterie and Italian arancini and croquettes to share between two. 

From 4pm, Gran Caffè’s Aperitivo menu can be enjoyed with delicious pasta, fritto misto, gamberoni, meatballs, garlic breads and more.

A full range of coffee, speciality teas, wines, beers and cocktails can also be found at the all day eatery.

Open seven days a week, Gran Caffè Lark Lane has a capacity of 40 people, as well as outdoor seating, and is available for dine in and takeaway.

The Cillo family are passionate about sharing an authentic Italian experience with their guests, serving an array of Italian delicacies that are hand crafted each day and supplied by their family members, making it a true, family-run business.

Their brother freshly bakes their sourdough, ciabatta and soft focaccia, and Donato’s wife, Antonietta, creates the signature croissants, delicate cakes and traditional gelato each day. 

All ingredients for Gran Caffè’s dishes are provided by their sister’s A Tavola da Maria Delicatessen using products imported from Italy and their coffee is ground from beans from their family’s roastery, Torrefazione Lucana, in Potenza. 

Donato Cillo, owner of Gran Caffè, explained:

“After 10 years of Gran Caffè in the Italian Quarter, and having opened on Duke Street in December 2023, it was only a matter of time before we expanded into South Liverpool. Lark Lane has been our goal for a few years now and we’re so excited to open the doors on Saturday 29th June at 9am!”

Paolo Cillo, owner of Gran Caffè, added:

“To say a huge thank you for all of the support that we’ve had for Gran Caffè, we’ll be giving away a choice of free coffee, croissants and gelato to our first 100 guests. We’re looking forward to welcoming regulars at Gran Caffè, as well as new faces to our Lark Lane venue that will not only showcase our signature pastries but also new and unique stuffed brunch croissants, as well as our new Aperitivo Tower that’s perfect for sharing and a lighter option to enjoy with drinks.”

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