Diners evacuated as fire breaks out at Piccolino restaurant in Alderley Edge

Diners were evacuated after a fire broke out at Piccolino Italian restaurant in Alderley Edge, Manchester, yesterday evening (Thursday 2 January).

Three crews tackled the blaze, which broke out in the roof area at 6.37pm. A spokesperson for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said the blaze had been "well developed" when crews arrived. Firefighters quickly gained control, but it was five hours before the flames were fully extinguished.

The spokesperson told The Caterer: “The fire was contained on the first story of the building. Damage was contained to where the fire was started.”

In a statement released today Piccolino said: “We had a small fire last night at Piccolino in Alderley Edge. No one was harmed and the fire was put out quickly thanks to the efforts of Cheshire Fire Brigade and police teams. We are currently closed but Giuseppe and the team are working hard to get back open quickly. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. We look forward to seeing you again soon!”

In July 2018 there was a fire on the roof of the same site, while blazes also affected the site in 2013 and 2008 when it was occupied by Panacea restaurant, which was popular with footballers.