Shawky El Sayed, once the private chef to the legendary Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti, has breathed new life into Erdington by transforming his restaurant, Pane and Vino, into what he describes as ‘a little piece of Bologna’.
Established in 2023 on Gravelly Lane, Pane and Vino quickly garnered a reputation as a hidden gem, offering brilliant authentic Italian cuisine to local diners. Shawky’s culinary expertise, honed during five years cooking for Pavarotti at his farm in Modena, is exemplified by his fresh pasta dishes and traditional Bolognese sauces that famously take three hours to perfect.
Following his initial success, Shawky expanded his ventures by opening Ristorante Caffe Arena at the Roundhouse in Birmingham city centre, which also received rave reviews. However, Shawky and his daughter Fay have recently stepped back from managing the Roundhouse location to recommit themselves to the Erdington community.
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They have since completely overhauled their original Pane and Vino site, formerly an old butcher’s shop, to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant reopened last week with a fresh, warm, and rustic design, aiming to deliver an atmosphere so authentically Italian that guests feel transported to a quaint Italian corner. The walls are adorned with photographs of the family’s home and of Pavarotti himself, adding a personal and historical touch to the venue.
Fay El Sayed shared with BirminghamLive: “This upgrade was long overdue. We finally had the opportunity to make it happen, and we are thrilled with the result. Our guests deserve a place where they can not only enjoy homemade, authentic Italian food but also experience a welcoming atmosphere that transports them – even just a little – to Italy. We thank all our guests for their support over the years, and we can’t wait to hear what they think.”
Pane and Vino’s new look is now open and welcoming visitors at 170 Gravelly Lane, Erdington, B23 5SN, continuing to serve authentic Italian dishes crafted with passion and tradition.