In the latest of our business profiles, we caught up with Twenty One, the family-run and award-winning restaurant on Campbell Street …
Twenty One is situated in the market town of Hamilton and has built its reputation by providing only the finest quality Scottish & Italian cuisine combined with a fantastic range of top quality wines, cocktails and spirits.
It is easy to find as it is at 21 Campbell Street – but the name is actually taken from the 21 regions that make up Italy. And it is unmistakably Italian – and Scottish: from the wonderful decor throughout that has Venetian and Roman inspired textures to the bright, modern tartans, Scottish landscapes and references to Scottish culture.
And then of course, there are their menus!
They offer fantastic fresh fish & seafood sourced as locally as they are able – and they incorporate the most wonderful Scottish produce into some famous Pasta creations.
Jennifer Almiento-Winning, daughter of the restaurant’s founder, Toni, is very proud of what they have created in Hamilton, saying: “My father has always been a massive inspiration for me. He arrived in the UK as part of the Italian catering school at the age of 17 with absolutely nothing.” Jennifer adds that Toni, now 72, has worked every single day since then: “I admire his dedication and his work ethic is second to none. He still loves what he does and if that isn’t an inspiration then I don’t know what is!”
It is clear that Twenty One is not just a business. Jennifer explains: “Our family have always run restaurants and I guess it’s just part of who we are .. it’s in our blood – it is our life. As a family we spend the best part of every day in the restaurant building relationships with our customers, chatting to those who come along on their own and feel that they can as there will always be one of us there to chat with.”
She adds: “Since we opened in 2017, we have built a strong core of customers who are unbelievably loyal. In fact, I’ve never seen this with any other restaurant that we’ve had. The people of Hamilton are so kind and supportive … they are really special and it is them that have made Twenty One what it is today.”
The renowned family-run restaurant employs a team of ten and provides a modern yet relaxing and warm atmosphere. There is real attention to detail, a personal touch and a friendly service.
Twenty One was awarded The Best Family Run Restaurant in the West of Scotland at the Italian Awards. Jennifer explains: “This was voted for by our customers. Undercover judges came onto the premises a number of times to check our operation. We have won many other awards, but this was our best as it’s exactly what we are … a real family run business.” Toni also won a lifetime achievement award for his services to Scotland’s catering industry – along with a knighthood from the Italian President.
Finally, we ask all who feature on our business profiles what they would recommend to anyone visiting Hamilton. Jennifer says: “There are many beautiful grounds to enjoy. Long nature walks in the area … Strathclyde Park and Chatelherault Country Park just to name two .. there are also great local pubs and restaurants!”
Need more?
You will find Twenty One at 21 Campbell Street (ML3 6AS).
Visit their website via this link.
You can follow them on Facebook via this link, the same on Instagram – email them here or call them on 01698 767900.
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