Independent favourite to serve its last meals next weekend
One of St. Helens’ newest independent dining spots is preparing to close after just over a year of trading. Bella Roma, on Claughton Street, has announced its final day of service will be Saturday 25 July, drawing a line under a short but well-supported run in the town centre.
The owners disclosed the decision in a message to customers on social media, attributing the closure to ill health alongside other unspecified factors. The restaurant, which launched in June last year and expanded within months due to demand, had cultivated a loyal following for its pizzas, pasta and family-friendly setting.
“Some really sad news unfortunately, this Saturday 25th will be our last day of trading. Unfortunately, due to ill health and other reasons we just cannot carry on. We appreciate all the support over the last year but we have had no other choice but to make this very heartbreaking decision.”
From family inspiration to rapid expansion
Founded by Francesco Cangemi, Bella Roma drew inspiration from an earlier restaurant of the same name operated by his parents on George Street. After opening its doors last June, the venue made an early move to enlarge its footprint by taking on a neighbouring unit just four months later, adding capacity for celebrations and themed events such as bottomless brunches.
- Location: Claughton Street, St. Helens town centre
- Opened: June of last year
- Expansion: Grew into an adjoining unit four months after opening
- Final trading day: Saturday 25 July
- Founder: Francesco Cangemi, inspired by his family’s original Bella Roma on George Street
| Timeline | Detail |
|---|---|
| June (last year) | Restaurant opens on Claughton Street |
| October (approx.) | Expansion into neighbouring unit announced |
| Saturday 25 July | Final day of service |
What it means for the town centre
For many residents, Bella Roma’s exit is another change on a prominent stretch of St. Helens’ high street. Independents have helped draw visitors back into the centre for meals and small celebrations; their arrival and, in some cases, rapid growth have been part of a gradual reshaping of how people use the area after retail closures in recent years. The loss of a venue that had become popular with families and groups will be felt by diners who had made it a regular choice.
While each business closure has its own causes, hospitality operators have frequently cited pressures linked to owner wellbeing, trading conditions and the day-to-day demands of running small venues. In this instance, the team has been clear that health is a central factor in stepping back. The restaurant also used its statement to express gratitude to supporters who had backed the venture over the past year.
Customer reaction and local recognition
Support from customers helped Bella Roma become part of the town centre’s dining mix in a short space of time. A review by the St Helens Star praised the restaurant’s welcome and menu, reflecting the reputation the venue had built among local diners. As things stand, the final service on 25 July will mark the end of that chapter.
InfoRadar will continue to monitor changes across Claughton Street and the broader town centre as units change hands and new operators consider the market. For residents, the immediate upshot is the loss of a locally run Italian option that arrived with strong family roots and ambitious plans before circumstances brought an early close.
