New owner of Delgados says Penketh pizzeria is in safe hands

Now Andy Stafford is running Delgados himself after taking the reins from former owners Rob and Julie Nunney.

The former Great Sankey High student has big shoes to fill as the Penketh pizzeria has been a well loved part of the community for almost 20 years.

Andy Stafford manager and chef at Delgados with front of house worker Jack Taylor

Meanwhile, Rob and Julie have started a new chapter in their lives fostering children.

Andy said: “I trained with Rob for the best part of three months – learning his recipes and getting acquainted with the kitchen and things like that.

“Rob and Julie were phenomenal in helping me get started and doing things to the high standards that their customers are used to. I can’t thank them enough.”

A Delgados pizza

The well known couple found it difficult to say goodbye to their business but told Andy they knew it was in good hands.

The 41-year-old, who used to work on the pizza counter at Asda Westbrook, added: “It’s the end of a chapter for them but the start of a new chapter for me and Rob’s really happy that Delgados will remain a family business because it’s me, my wife and our two children.

“So it’s still a family orientated business and we’re not changing anything massively. We’re keeping it as close to what Rob and Julie had as possible.

Andy Stafford

“I think the key to Delgados’ success has been its relaxed atmosphere. It’s not a busy hustle and bustle kind of restaurant. You just come in, sit down and you just feel at ease.”

Andy described it as brilliant to be running a restaurant after having a passion for cooking since childhood.

The Old Hall resident said: “Since I was a little boy, I’ve been mithering my mum in the kitchen and asking questions like: ‘Why do you cook it that way?’ I’ve been making pizzas for years so when the opportunity arose to be part of Delgados I jumped at the chance.

Andy Stafford manager and chef at Delgados with front of house worker Jack Taylor

“I love cooking for people. I love seeing people’s happy faces when they’ve enjoyed a meal. It just seemed to be a logical step to be a business owner in the area.

"When my wife Louise and I started dating we were regulars at Delgados. We’ve always had a soft spot for the place so to now be running it and making food for other people there is absolutely brilliant.”

Andy is also part of a new wave of business owners in Honiton Way.

He added: “We’ve got Casa Coffee next door who have just opened up and there is a new opticians next door but one – it feels like a bit of new life is coming to the area.”