Shop Local: Penny Lane’s Buongiorno Deli

In the first of a series of features shining the spotlight on local businesses, YM pays Penny Lane’s newly opened Italian corner shop a visit

HAVING WORKED IN COFFEE SHOPS and restaurants their entire adult lives, by 2018, Carmelo and Kristiina were ready for a change. Carmelo, who hails from Palermo in Sicily, and Kristiina, originally from Estonia, sold their restaurant in St Albans and headed up north in search of a better quality of life.

The couple visited Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds, before arriving here in Liverpool – a place they say “felt like home”. Carmelo and Kristiina knew they wanted to start a business but first wanted to get to know the city better. To this end, Kristiina managed Rubens coffee shop at the Albert Dock and Carmelo ran Bean There Coffee Shop on Smithdown Road.

During his stint at Bean There, Carmelo’s fondness for nearby Penny Lane grew and he had his eye on Buongiorno’s future premises when it was still a barbershop. Once Carmelo found out the space was set to become available, he and Kristiina moved quickly to secure the property for their new venture.

Carmelo and Kristiina wanted to open something smaller and more relaxed than their old restaurant – a place where they could work together and really get to know their customers.

Carmelo likens Buongiorno to a traditional salumeria or bottega which you will find in any Italian town or village – a local corner shop that stocks a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses, alongside kitchen cupboard staples like olive oil, pasta, flour and tinned tomatoes.

Fresh pasta will be in stock soon but Carmelo is keen to point out that, contrary to popular belief, most Italians don’t regularly make their own pasta. “Maybe their grandma will make it fresh, but they buy the dry stuff!” he says.

However, one classic Italian dish Buongiorno’s customers (maybe some Mossley Hill nonnas amongst them) have been making from scratch is pizza. ‘00’ flour, mozzarella, and Mutti brand sauce have been some of the store’s best-selling products – especially during lockdown.

But it’s the packed deli counter which is the heartbeat of Buongiorno. Behind the glass there are meats many will be familiar with such as Salame Napoli, Salame Milano, and Parma Ham, alongside some perhaps lesser-known options like ‘Nduja (spicy, spreadable sausage, spianata (flattened salami), guanciale (cured meat prepared from pork jowl or cheek) and bresaola (air-dried, salted beef).

“We try to stock products people maybe haven’t tried before. Finocchiona (salami with fennel) has been one of the most popular items from the deli counter,” adds Carmelo.

Interestingly enough, Kristiina and Carmelo have found that many customers arrive at Buongiorno with significant knowledge of the store’s products – something Carmelo attributes in part to the popularity of YouTube cooking videos.

The deli also boasts a healthy craft beer and wine selection, and a small outdoor seating area where customers can sample these handpicked bottles with some nibbles. Made-to-order sandwiches packed with delicious meats and cheeses from the deli counter will also be available soon.

“The best feedback is the customer coming back,” says Kristiina. “It’s been brilliant so far. We’ve had lots of support.”

Although Kristiina admits it’s been somewhat of a challenge remembering every returning customer – particularly with the added challenge of face coverings.

“Now the restrictions have been relaxed we’re looking forward to getting to know everyone!”

You can find Buongiorno Deli at 121a Penny Lane, Liverpool, L18 1DF or on Instagram @buongiornoliverpool

Deli opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10am– 5.30pm; Sun: 10am–4pm

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