Antonio Carluccio opens new Shrewsbury restaurant

"This is a wonderful town and one which I saw three times today when my taxi driver got lost on my journey to the hotel from the station," said the 77-year-old at the launch of his 79th restaurant last night.

Mr Carluccio has opened in the Square in the heart of town, in the former Jane Dyas ladieswear shop.

He was full of praise for Shrewsbury, and hopes to provide a place where people can "enjoy a coffee, sit and watch the world go by" – not to mention enjoy the best Italian food.

His arrival was welcomed by town mayor Councillor Jon Tandy, who was among the guests at last night's opening.

"I am so pleased that they have located to Shrewsbury," he said.

"It is a great privilege to have Carluccio's in the town.

"It is also a massive boost for Shrewsbury business.

"This puts us on the international food map."

Mr Carluccio, who started out cooking simple pasta suppers on a two-ring stove in Vienna more than 50 years ago, is one of the world's most respected authorities on Italian food. "We would not choose just any location in any town," he said, speaking to the Shropshire Star while sitting outside his new premises in the evening sun.

"Carluccio's is not just about shops and restaurants. It is about the feel of the place and Shrewsbury feels right. It is not just that the space here in the building became available. But I knew it would be what we want for the Carluccio chain.

"I am delighted to have been able to open a restaurant here. The Square here is the ideal place for people to enjoy a coffee, sit and watch the world go by in a traditional English town."

Last night's launch saw visitors treated to a taste of Italy with peach Bellinis, glasses of prosecco and nibbles including deep fried risotto balls, Parma ham and courgette and ricotta cheese rolls.

Among the guests at last night's launch was Andrew Dyas, who sold the premises to Mr Carluccio. Mr Dyas's grandfather founded a ladieswear business in 1891 and Mr Dyas continued to run it before shutting up shop at Christmas.

He said: "I am really pleased with what they have done to breathe new life in to the building."

Other visitors included Grant Mitchell, 45, from Harley, near Bridgnorth. He said: "I am a huge fan of Carluccio's and have been waiting for a long time for the restaurant to open here. I am sure it will do extremely well."

Chris Hill, 37, from Much Wenlock, said: "The attention to detail is exceptional."

Jan Edwards, 56, from Telford and Karen Thompson, 47, from Sundorne, Shrewsbury, were also as the launch.

Ms Edwards said: "It really does add to the Square and makes it feel very cosmopolitan.

"I think it will bring more tourists in and anything like that is good."