A couple who have run a popular Italian restaurant for almost two decades have announced they are stepping down as owners.

Pinocchio’s, in Castle Street, Canterbury, has long-been a favourite among city residents.

Naples native Massimo Fierro took over the 32-year-old eatery with brothers Antonio and Franco in 2002, before going solo in 2010 and, more recently, being joined by his wife Dee.

They make a dynamic pair - Massimo cooking up fresh Neapolitan dishes in the kitchen, while Dee manages the front-of-house and deals with customers, who range from tourists and graduating students to a steady flow of devoted regulars.

But now, the couple have decided to call it a day.

Massimo and Dee hope to pass the business to someone who can build on their success, which they credit to their combination of tradition and innovation.

“We’ve always retained the restaurant’s overall principles,” said Dee. “But we’re also always changing, making sure what we’re doing is current.

“What was expected from an Italian restaurant 20 years ago is not the same as today.

'It has always been about passion, and still is' - Massimo Fierro

“Food trends change so quickly - now it’s about locally sourcing as much produce as we can. We have lots of vegetarian options, gluten-free.

“Everything is cooked from scratch.

“There’s been a bit of a thing in England for years, of English Italian food - dishes you’d never see in Italy that are made for the British market. So we try to bring more fresh, authentic dishes that Italians eat.”

“It has always been about passion, and still is,” added Massimo. “I think Italian food is the best in the world. And I think typical, regional, Napoli food is the best in Italy.

“We’ve enjoyed 18 years and still enjoy it.”

Pinocchio’s is being marketed by Christie & Co at £119,000 for the leasehold interest.

James Hughes, of Christie & Co which is handling the sale, said: “This is a rare chance to take on a well-known restaurant within Canterbury and build on the already very good trade that there is.

“Massimo has built a fantastic reputation for the business but is now ready to pass the reins to someone else.”

But the couple say they expect to remain open for at least another year.

“Should a new potential owner come along, it will be necessary to ensure that they are suitable and able to take the restaurant forward,” said Dee. “We plan to stay involved in the day-to-day operations for as long as is needed.

“But it won’t happen overnight - we’re probably here for another 18 months easily.

“For the time being, it’s business as usual.”

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