Verona Kitchen & Bar takes St Helens Star's Best Restaurant title

Visitors can expect an exceptional dining experience that highlights Italian favourites and innovative dishes with a modern twist.

Andy and the team have clearly got all the ingredients for a successful restaurant as they have just bagged our final Best of 2024 award – St Helens Star’s Best Restaurant.

Verona Kitchen & Bar opened on High Street in Newton-le-Willows in November 2017

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 22 awards.

• Best for Hair - At Gems
• Best for Pies – Burchall’s
• Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
• Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
• Best for Breakfast - Shakey J’s
• Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
• Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
• Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
• Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
• Best for Dessert – The Brownie Shack
• Best for Kids – Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens
• Best for Pets – Leanne’s Doggy B&B
• Best for Beauty – Harriet Harmon Studios
• Best for Pizza – Dial-A-Pizza
• Best for Afternoon Tea – Nirvana Coffee Shop
• Best for Burgers – Shakey J’s
• Best Gym – Ruskin Fitness Club
• Best for Curry – Balti Spice
• Best Café or Coffee Shop – Nirvana Coffee Shop
• Best Pub or Bar – The Millhouse

Ten of St Helens Star’s most popular restaurants made the shortlist for our final Best of 2024 award and Verona Kitchen & Bar has taken this year’s coveted crown for the second year in a row.

Andy Orgill opened Verona Kitchen & Bar on High Street in Newton-le-Willows in November 2017, so it’s coming up to celebrating its 7th birthday.

It’s a family-run restaurant with Andy’s wife Claire and brother-in-law Craig Taylor.

James Black, general manager, Morgan Caldwell, bar manager and Adam Bailey, head chef

Andy, who is 45, said: “Newton-le-Willows is the perfect place to grow a business.

“The community is incredibly welcoming and we’ve always felt a strong connection to Newton-le-Willows.

“Opening a business here gave us the chance to contribute to the local community and offer something special to a place that’s become so important to us.

“At Verona Kitchen & Bar, we provide an authentic dining experience, focusing on a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine.

“We offer a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes, from fresh pasta and pizza to seasonal specials.

“Along with great food, we provide a full-service bar with an impressive wine list and signature cocktails.

“Our aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can come to enjoy great food, great drinks, and great company.”

Andy has always been passionate about food, especially Italian cuisine and opening his own restaurant had been a long-time dream.

He wanted to bring a unique dining experience to the Newton-le-Willows area.

Andy said: “I felt there was room for a place where people could enjoy high-quality, authentic Italian dishes in a warm and relaxed environment.

“Food has always been a central part of my life and I believe that great meals create lasting memories.

“Italian cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and tradition, holds a special place in my heart.

“I wanted to bring those values into my business by offering food that is authentic, flavourful and made with love.”

What makes Verona Kitchen & Bar different to others in the area? What sets it apart from your competitors?

Andy said: “What sets Verona Kitchen & Bar apart is our relaxed atmosphere and commitment to authenticity.

“Every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that reflect genuine Italian cooking, complemented by a modern twist.

“We’ve created an inviting ambiance where guests feel comfortable, whether for a special celebration or a casual meal.

“Additionally, we’ve been TripAdvisor Choice winners for the last four years, placing us in the top five per cent of dining venues worldwide, and we’ve proudly maintained a five-star food hygiene rating for more than five years.

“Our attention to detail in both food and service makes us stand out.”

The menu is a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine

What do customers think about Verona Kitchen and Bar? Why did they want the venue to win our final Best of 2024 award?

One review on their Facebook page said: “Food is amazing.

“Attentive staff and a buzzing atmosphere.

“This is a little gem on Newton High Street.”

Children eat free at Verona Kitchen & Bar on Wednesdays and Sundays, and on Thursdays there’s a date night special that includes two pasta dishes and a bottle of house win for £35.

Lunchtime deals start at £7.

Andy said: “Customers choose Verona Kitchen & Bar for a delightful dining experience in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.

“We offer fantastic meals along with exceptional service that makes everyone feel valued. Our special offers enhance the experience.

“At Verona Kitchen & Bar, visitors can expect an exceptional dining experience.

“Our award-winning menu features everything from classic Italian favourites to innovative dishes that put a modern twist on tradition.

“We pride ourselves on using only the freshest ingredients, sourced both locally and from Italy and our wood-burning pizza oven adds that authentic touch to our pizzas.

“The atmosphere is welcoming and our team is passionate about making every guest feel at home.

“Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, a family meal or a night out with friends, we aim to create an unforgettable experience for everyone."

At Verona, they offer a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes, from fresh pasta and pizza to seasonal specials

Andy loves seeing the smiles on his customers’ faces when they’re enjoying their meal and feels there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve helped create a memorable experience for someone, whether it’s a family celebration, a date night, or just a quick bite to eat.

He loves working with his team - they’re like family - and he likes to collaborate with people who are as passionate about food and hospitality as he is.

When Andy found out Verona Kitchen & Bar had made the final shortlist for St Helens Star’s Best Restaurant he was “beyond thrilled”.

He said: “It was such an honour to be recognised alongside other fantastic restaurants in the area and it was a testament to all the hard work my team and I have put into making Verona Kitchen & Bar the best it can be.

“I was so taken aback when I found out we’d won Best Restaurant 2024 for the St Helens area.

“Owning the restaurant has been such a passion project and to get this kind of

recognition really means a lot—not just for me, but for the whole team.

“We all work hard to make sure every customer has a great experience, so it was a proud moment for everyone involved.

“I can’t thank our customers enough, really.

“This award is down to their continued support, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.

“It’s not just about the votes—it’s about the fact that they’ve chosen to spend their time with us and have come back again and again.

“It means a lot and we’re committed to keeping that trust and providing a fantastic experience every time they visit.

“Thank you so much!”