A taste of Sicily heads to city – and you could win a trip to the real thing

Sicilian wines, meat and cheese sharing boards, spritzes and more are on the menu at a new restaurant heading to Durham.

- by Katy Wheeler

Veeno will open its doors at The Riverwalk, in the former Pizza Punks site, in early September, pairing Sicilian wine with sharing boards of Italian meats and cheeses and creating up to 20 new jobs.

The new venue will also feature Italian pizzas and pasta on the menu, which focuses on the Italian Aperitivo concept - drinking, nibbling and relaxing after work.

Durham duo Dan and Donna Lewis have purchased the franchise from business partners Nino Caruso and Rodrigue Trouillet-who operate five Veeno sites across the UK.

The new wine bar and kitchen will follow the company's model of offering wines from Nino's family vineyard, Caruso and Minini, based in Marsala in the west of Sicily.

Spuntini - platters of meats and cheese - will be imported from specialist artisan Italian suppliers which Veeno has built up relationships with throughout the years.

Plus, a full range of Italian cocktails and spritzes will also be available.

"We can not wait to bring a slice of Sicily to Durham city," said Dan, who has spent time with Donna in Marsala learning all the wines they will be offering.