Later this year, the award-winning team behind Bench, The Pearl at Park Hill and Bench La Cave are set to open an all-new, authentic Italian restaurant, Maria, in Sheffield’s ‘Heart of the City’ development.
Set to open on Wellington Street, the restaurant is a personal project for Jack Wakelin and Tom ‘Ronnie’ Aronica, taking inspiration from Ronnie’s Sicilian heritage for what will become their first city centre venture.
“It’s been in our heads for a while,” says Ronnie. “Over time I sort of gradually started cooking more Italian food, but never really had the balls to completely go for it. But we always had the thought that we wanted to do a proper Italian restaurant – or our idea of one.”
The roots of Maria reach back to Ronnie’s childhood summers spent with family. “My dad’s Sicilian. Me and my sister used to go and spend the whole summer there, and I think that’s pretty much where my love of food comes from,” he explains. “All my happy memories are around the table – chaos, food everywhere, people everywhere. It feels more me. Italian food is really simple, so you can’t hide. You just need good ingredients and to cook with honesty.”
The restaurant is inspired by Italian trattorias and southern European cooking, and is named after Ronnie’s grandmother Maria, whose influence can be felt through the venue’s ethos. The brand identity has been built by Sheffield-based design agency Peter & Paul, directly from her handwritten signature, with family photos and memories woven into the design. “She knows about it and thinks it’s weird,” laughs Ronnie. “But she’s proud of what we’re doing.”
Jack adds that bringing the project to the Heart of the City felt like the right move: “We’ve had this concept for a year or two now, and it’s great to finally find a place for it in Sheffield city centre. The council have done an amazing job with the development – we love to see the centre beginning to thrive again. We’re in good company alongside friends at Leah’s Yard, Cambridge Street Collective, Marmadukes and Kapital, and are really excited to be part of this little pocket of independents.”
With typical Italian hospitality, Maria will be a restaurant for everyone and any occasion, featuring a galley kitchen running the length of one wall with counter seating, creating a fully open, lively space for around 46 covers. Sheffield’s Rocket Design have begun work transforming the space across from the new HSBC, in the unit next to what was Henry’s Wine Bar.
The menu will feature dishes that can be enjoyed on their own or shared amongst friends and families. Guests can expect nods towards classics as well as more contemporary offerings, with a classic Italian structure to the menu – antipasti, pastas, fish, meat, sides and desserts – but with Ronnie’s twist, keeping dishes seasonal and using the best British produce where possible.
Drinks will be given just as much attention, with Jack promising: “The drinks programme is going to be Italian influenced – really strong aperitivo, a digestivo section with some creativity, and a super-sized amaro list. But also, importantly, a great glass of wine or a £5 negroni.”
For Ronnie and Jack, who have already helped shape Sheffield’s reputation for ambitious independent dining, Maria is as much about personal storytelling as it is about food. “We’re not just opening another restaurant,” says Ronnie. “This one’s in my bones.”
Maria is set to open later this year on Wellington Street in Sheffield’s Heart of the City. Keep up to date via Instagram @trattoria_maria – and look out for our first look inside the restaurant ahead of opening.
