Bonkers Bank Holiday!

Ordinarily bank holidays are an opportunity to kick back and relax, chillax, if you will. However, this August bank holiday is set to be anything but laid back, with Manchester Pride taking over the city and Jenson Button bringing his F1 car down the city's gorgeous Deansgate.

Pop heavyweights Alexandra Burke and Pixie Lott are just a couple of the many artists performing at this years Pride Festival.

Local talent, including Corrie's Bruno Langley and Hollyoak's Abi Phillps will also be performing at the Big Weekend in Sackville Gardens, while authors, including bestseller Louise Rought will be delivering talks in Deansgate's Waterstone's book store.

The Parade starts on Deansgate at 1pm on Saturday through St Ann's Street, Cross Street, Albert Square, Princess Street and finishing on Whitworth Street – why not get yourself down to Pesto Deansgate for noon and kick off the day with some of our delicious cocktails? Noon isn't too early for cocktails, surely...? 

Our personal highlight of the Pride weekend is the Pink Dog Show (yes you read that correctly) Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home has teamed up with Barking Barbers for this camp canine carnival – not one to be missed!

As all the Pride excitement draws to a close, Formula One champion Jenson Button will be setting pulses racing as he brings his F1 car for a spin down Deansgate on Monday afternoon! If you're making your way into town to catch a glimpse of Jenson, why not take the best seat in the house on Pesto Deansgate's leafy terrace?

If you'd like to share your bank holiday weekend photographs with Pesto, why not head over to our Facebook page and pop them on there? If Twitter is more your bag, you can follow us at http://twitter.com/pestorestaurant

http://manchesterpride.com/
http://jensonbutton.com/
http://formula1.com
http://alexandra-burke.us
http://pixielott.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_Langley
http://abiphillips.com
http://manchesterpride.com/whatson/bigweekend/sackvillegardens
http://louiserought.com
http://pinkdogshow.co.uk/
http://dogshome.net
http://barkingbarbers.co.uk
http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/location/deansgate/ 
 

Pesto Italian Restaurant Glasgow Manager John

There's been much ado in Glasgow this month with the filming of Brad Pitt's latest action movie World War Z and of course final preparations for the grand opening of Pesto Italian Restaurants Glasgow! 

We thought it might be wise, before all the action really kicks off, to chat to our brand new Glasgow manager John McGhie - rugby enthusiast and whisky fan!

How long have you been part of the Pesto team?

Nearly two months, just started in July.

What is the best thing about working for Pesto?

The opportunity to be part of an ambitious small company that will thrive in Glasgow’s busy city centre.

What is your favourite Pesto dish and drink?

My favourite dish is the Salsiccia Peperonata, love the Italian sausage, so spicy. I enjoy my red wine and favourite one is Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo.

What's the funniest thing to have happened to you in the restaurant?

Unfortunately nothing funny to report in Glasgow yet, but hopefully that will change as soon as we open.

Which three celebrities (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner at Pesto?

Michel Roux Jnr, really admire the passion and dedication into everything that he produces. For comedic value Ed Byrne, think he is one of the best stand ups around. Finally Gary Armstrong the former Scotland scrum half to hear the stories of Scottish rugby and meet the man I tried to model myself on when I played in the same position.

What inspired you to become a manager?

I started as a waiter to get through University but was caught up with the buzz that working in a restaurant brings and knew that this was the career for me. What happens each day cannot be predicted and I love the challenges that brings and overcoming them. Being able to interact with people from every walk of life and provide them with fantastic service and pushing to maintain those standards though developing and working with great teams keeps me wanting more as a manager.

After a meal at Pesto, what's the best thing to do in Glasgow?

Glasgow has such a varied culture that there is something for everyone to do, be it go out for a cocktail in a stylish bar or enjoy a whisky in a small pub somewhere with a live band play, or maybe go look at the fantastic buildings that make Glasgow what it is. I could keep going but there is too much to say. 

The Gallaghers. No, wait, it's just some apes.

What was the last show you went to and how was it?

Last thing i went to see was Rise of the Planet of the Apes which i really enjoyed, Going to see Jimmy Eat World at the end of the month which will be amazing.

What does the next year at Pesto hold for you?

The next year will hold a lot of hard work and dedication from the entire Pesto team at Glasgow to ensure that we strive to provide the best quality of food, service and experience that there can be. It is a challenge that myself and the team cannot wait to begin and enjoy everything that is thrown at us.

Pesto Italian Restaurant Glasgow opens September 5th at 6pm on the absolutely stunning St Vincent Street - see if you can spot it from the fan footage of World War Z!

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/world-war-z/

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/location/glasgow/

http://www.jimmyeatworld.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1318514/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Armstrong

http://www.edbyrne.com/

http://www.michelroux.co.uk/

World War Z, Or World War P?

OK, so we're just a little excited; Brad Pitt's upcoming zombie flick is set for action right outside Pesto Glasgow!

Alongside Pitt, one half of Hollywood's most powerful super-couple, Mireille Enos of The Killing and veteran actor Bryan Cranston will star in the Max Brooks adaptation World War Z.

World War Z author Max Brooks has penned a number of zombie books, including the bestseller The Zombie Survival Guide and graphic novel Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, World War Z has been praised by fellow zombie writer and acclaimed comedy actor Simon Pegg.

Now, we hate to brag (well, hate is a strong word), but at Pesto we've had a slew of celebrity diners in our Manchester and Liverpool restaurants recently, from Heather Morris and the Glee crew to 70's pop icon Debbie Harry - we reckon our unique piattini menu might well be delicious enough to draw in the Worlds Sexiest Man.

If you fancy your chances at star-spotting, or just want to check out a great place to dine out any night of the week, why not peruse our menu?

Naturally we got our knickers in something of a knot when we spotted the Hollywood crew assembling some very flash props on Pesto's beautiful St Vincent Street – just check out this brilliant fan vid!

We'll be updating the blog regularly with news and pics of all the excitement, but if you're in Glasgow and you spot a some Hollywood hoo-ha why not post it on our Facebook or Twitter pages?

http://maxbrooks.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_Z
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/zombiesurvivalguide/index2.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zombie-Survival-Guide-Recorded-Attacks/dp/0715638157/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313596796&sr=1-1 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Pegg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mireille_Enos

http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-killing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Cranston

http://www.facebook.com/PestoRestaurants

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/location/glasgow/

https://twitter.com/pestorestaurant

Interview: Nigel Bradbury

Pesto Italian Restaurants Manchester veteran Nigel talks to us about his time at the restaurant and his appreciation for the work of David Jason and Victoria Wood!

How long have you been part of the Pesto Italian Restaurants Deansgate team?

I have been working for Pesto for 4 and a half years now. I worked at our Trafford centre branch for four years before moving across to a new challenge at our Deansgate branch just before Christmas last year.

What is the best thing about working for Pesto?

Pesto is like a large family. You are able to contribute towards and get involved in the development of the business. It is also great job satisfaction to be able to meet new and regular customers every day, welcoming them into the pesto experience and family.

What is your favourite Pesto dish and drink?
 

White wine is a guilty pleasure for me. I would thoroughly recommend our Soave DOC. My favourite dishes have a habit of changing as I do like everything on the menu! If I had to choose it would be the Peperoni Ripieni and the salsiccia peperonata. I have a sweet tooth too and can’t say no to a dessert, our mascarpone cheesecakes tempts me every time!

What's the funniest thing to have happened to you in the restaurant?

There are too many to say. Every day you get to speak to new and familiar faces who have so many stories to tell and make you laugh, unfortunately some I don’t think I could repeat!

Which three celebrities (dead and alive) would you invite to dinner at Pesto?

There are so many people to choose from the three I would choose are David Jason – a great British actor, who could forget Only Fools and Horses! Adele as she is a very talented singer and down to earth and Lee Evans as he is a great comedian and would fill our evening full of laughter!

What inspired you to become a manager?

I started out as a waiter and have worked my way up to my current position of Deputy Manager. I love the fact that no two days are the same and I get to meet people from all walks of life. I relish the challenge to ensuring every customer we meet receives great customer service every time. I have been lucky to have learned a lot from some inspiring managers on my way up the ladder. I am still learning something new every day and that challenges me to strive even higher to deliver the outstanding service we deliver every day. There is no other job I would rather do!

After a meal at Pesto, what's the best thing to do in Manchester?

There are many amazing bars and clubs and music venues that attract an array of stars, celebrities and of course nothing beats a night out than with friends and the great warm and friendly people of Manchester.

What was the last show you went to and how was it?
 

I recently saw the day we sang by Victoria wood. This was Victoria Wood at her best; she is a great British comedian who we don’t get to see enough of. They play was moving and worth the standing ovation at the end. I hope she is back again soon with another play or touring as she's very funny in the way she delivers comedy - she’s unique!

What does the next year at Pesto hold for you?

To continue to welcome new customers who will become friends and to making our next year just as busy and as exciting as last year!

We reckon after all the goings on at Pesto Italian Restaurants Manchester and Liverpool over the last couple of months (free Blondie tickets from Debbie Harry and a night on the tiles with Heather Morris) there'll be no shortage of diners to keep the Pesto team busy and excited!

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/location/deansgate/

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/giggling-with-glee-at-pesto-deansgate/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Jason

http://adele.tv

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Evans_%28comedian%29

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Wood

http://www.pestorestaurants.co.uk/menu/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Only_Fools_and_Horses

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150301293009743&set=a.10150113595239743.276775.363209709742&type=1&theater

Pesto's Picks for August

Now, many would have you believe that the only place worth being in Old Blighty through the month of August is Scotland's capital city Edinburgh for the world-famous Fringe Fest. Well, that just ain't true; Pesto Glasgow opens at the end of the month, and boy does this city like to keep the capital on its toes! 

Blonde, brash, trailer trash queen Dolly Parton rolls into Glasgow on the 20^th August for a two night stint at one of the city's biggest venues, the SECC. With over fifty studio albums under her belt it's bound to be a real all-night barn-burner!

Later in the month Glasgow Life Welcome Visits is offering people the chance to explore areas of the city not ordinarily open to the public. The City Halls and Old Fruitmarket Tour runs from 11am on the 29^th August and tickets are absolutely free! If all the walking gets you hungry, why not stop in at Pesto Glasgow which opens at 6pm on the 29^th?

Through the month of August Manchester will play host to the Pride Fringe and Big Weekend, from the 19^th to the 29^th. Big names such as Alexandra Burke and Pixie Lott will be putting in appearances in addition to a number of up-and-coming musicians, film-makers and artists.

Pesto Deansgate is just a short walk away from many of the festival venues, our Festa party menu and extensive selection of cocktails make it the perfect starting point for the Big Weekend!

If you're over in the west this month, don't let your wallet dictate your social calendar. The free Matthew Street Festival on the 28^th and 29^th August is set to be a scorcher, with over eighty hours of music spread over two days – who needs the Carling Weekend? Pah! Matthew Street is literally round the corner from Pesto Liverpool One where our Festa menu is ideal for big parties who want delicious, traditional Italian food without breaking the bank.

To keep up with all things Pesto you can follow us on Twitter or 'like' us on Facebook

http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/whatson/event/113709-Glasgow-Life-Welcome-Visits:-City-Halls-&-Old-Fruitmarket-Tour

http://dollyparton.com

http://manchesterpride.com/whatson/fringe

http://.manchesterpride.com/media/2011/Event_Application_Form_2011.pdf

http://alexandraburkeofficial.com/

http://pixielott.com

http://mathewstreetfestival.org/

http://carling.com/music/festival/information/

Interview: Sarah Henderson

Pesto Italian Restaurants Liverpool One deputy manager and Take That enthusiast Sarah Henderson took time out from opening restaurants and, er, 'sampling' Pesto's fine Italian wines to tell us about life at L1.

How long have you been part of the Pesto team?

Four and a half years now! I have worked in all three restaurants – I opened Trafford & Liverpool and am off next month to open Glasgow too.

What is the best thing about working for Pesto?

I have had the opportunity to really be part of something here; it’s a small company so you are far more than just another cog in the machine.

What is your favourite Pesto dish and drink?

Drink wise, I love the Pinot Grigio Blush. I wouldn’t like to count how many bottles I have drunk over the years! Food wise, I go through phases of which are my favourites! Bruschetta Pomodoro has always stayed pretty near the top though…and the Fiorentina pizza…oh and I do like the gamberoni peperoncino.

What's the funniest thing to have happened to you in the restaurant?

Oh too many things to remember! I have had brilliant teams of people in all three sites over the years, there’s been so many characters who have entertained me every day!

Which three celebrities (dead and alive) would you invite to dinner at Pesto?

I would love to say someone high brow to make me look intelligent and interesting, but to be honest my life would be made if Take That had come in while they were here! Am I allowed five? Just Robbie would be perfect if not.

What inspired you to become a manager?
I just developed a passion for it very early on in my career - I love the people in the industry and have loved developing and working with all different types of people.

After a meal at Pesto, what's the best thing to do in Liverpool?

You can’t go wrong with a nice glass of wine or two on the L1 terrace on a summer’s eve! 

What was the last show you went to and how was it?
I have been to both Take That and Kings of Leon this month in Manchester. Two very different concerts but both just amazing!

What does the next year at Pesto hold for you?

Hopefully I will just get to continue helping build the brand and, if I am lucky, get to spend a bit of time in some great cities opening a couple more great restaurants…..watch this space!

That's all for now peeps - keep your eyes peeled for Pesto's Picks for August tomorrow and our latest team member introduction next week! You can also check out our latest celebrity diner here - Debbie Harry at Pesto Italian Restaurants Liverpool One!

Keep up with Pesto Italian Restaurants Liverpool One Manchester and Glasgow on Facebook and Twitter - and don't forget when you come to visit to check in on FB or Foursquare!

http://facebook.com/pestorestaurants

http://twitter.com/pestorestaurant