A new Italian restaurant, Fire Station Social Cucina, is making a bold entrance in Alderley Edge, the Cheshire village renowned for its affluent residents, including footballers and millionaires. The eatery, distinguished by its bright red doors, is set to open on Wednesday, June 10, taking over the site previously occupied by Gusto, a landmark Italian restaurant that closed last year after more than a decade in business.
A Second Venue for Project Social Cucina
Fire Station Social Cucina is the second establishment under the Project Social Cucina brand, the specialist restaurant division of Cheshire Pub Company. The first venue opened in Tarporley, also in a former fire station, which inspired the name. The new Alderley Edge location aims to bring the same concept to a new community.
Menu and Atmosphere
Guests can expect traditional Neapolitan pizzas, freshly prepared pasta dishes, and Italian-inspired sharing plates. The restaurant has undergone a significant transformation to create a stylish and welcoming environment, inspired by the food, culture, and social spirit of modern Italy. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests and has created approximately 40 new jobs. An upstairs space is available for private dining, corporate events, and special occasions.
Simon Kalton, CEO of Cheshire Pub Company and founder of Project Social Cucina, explained the philosophy behind the brand: “Project Social Cucina was created with a simple ambition: to build hospitality concepts that bring people together through exceptional food, drink and atmosphere. Fire Station Social Cucina is the first major brand developed under that vision and we’re incredibly proud of what it has become.” He added that the name reflects warmth, energy, and the social aspect of dining, while paying homage to the original Tarporley location.
Joe Wayper, Operations Manager, expressed excitement about the expansion: “The response to our Tarporley venue has exceeded all expectations and has shown us there’s a real appetite for a modern Italian dining experience that combines quality food, exceptional hospitality and a strong sense of community. Alderley Edge is the perfect location for our next chapter.”
Opening Details
Fire Station Social Cucina Alderley Edge will open its doors from 4pm on Wednesday, June 10, serving drinks and antipasti. Full dining service will commence on Thursday, June 11. The restaurant is located on the main road through Alderley Edge, making it easily accessible.
Cheshire Pub Company, which also operates the Churchill Tree pub in Nether Alderley and The Crown and Conspirator in Bramhall, sees this as a significant investment in the local hospitality scene. With ambitious plans for future expansion, the brand aims to become one of the most exciting hospitality concepts in the North West.
