Guerino and his wife Giovanna are the very proud owners of the Bella Napoli Restaurant, which has gone from strength to strength for the past 21 years. Guerino came over from his little town of Caiazzo, from a large family of butchers, and left-behind his bride to be to try and make a new life for them both in a new country.

1500 miles on a train by himself was the start of his working life in England at the age of 21. He started at the Troutbeck Hotel in IIkley as a waiter. He then moved on to Andertons Grill in Skipton and became second head waiter. Then a year later moved to Oakwood Hall Country Club and progressed from head waiter to Restaurant Manager and that is where he bought his first house and went back to Italy and married Giovanna.

After being at Oakwood Hall for 9 years, he went to Curragate Restaurant at Steeton as Restaurant Manager, he changed his hand to selling ice cream for 10 years and also working at his brothers restaurant in Bradford at weekends.

In 1978 Guerino & Giovanna sold everything and gambled on a new venture, a restaurant in Cross Hills. People in Cross Hills gave him 3 months, saying that a restaurant would not work.

Hard Work from Guerino and family has turned the Bella Napoli into one of the most thriving restaurants. Guerino say's he has brought a little of Italy to Crosshills.

After six years of having 10 tables they bought the house next door and extended the restaurant to 18 tables and yet again 3 years ago they extended again and made a 22 table restaurant and also moving the kitchen to the other side of the building and the existing kitchen in to a non smoking dining room with dance floor for parties. The restaurant has gone from strength to strength with an amazing menu that consists of over 60 different starters and a staggering 70 main courses, and a wine list that they are always extending.

To carry on the family tradition, Guerino and son Gino, who is now managing the restaurant, are always there to ensure the excellent service and quality of food is kept to the highest standard.

Even the logo for our restaurant has history. Bella Napoli means! 'beautiful Naples' and the tree in our logo represents the famous tree that used to overlook the Bay of Naples. There is always a warm and friendly welcome for adults and children alike.

Now we are looking forward to the 21st Century with the Refurbishment of our "Millennium Bar" area, open to celebrate our 21st Birthday.

This article was written 25th November 1999