TGt Meets... Jane Shayegan from Amarone

In the run up to 2017's Independent Retailer Month, we spoke to Jane Shayegan about her Italian restaurant Amarone and why shopping independently is so important.

Describe your business in one sentence…

Located in a beautiful Georgian building, at Amarone we offer authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

We were inspired by our love of the gorgeous Italian wine Amarone – we are the only restaurant in the south west that is able to offer Amarone by the glass as well as the bottle.

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

I think it is important to recognise all the hard work and commitment that independent businesses put into Bath, all trying to ensure that Bath stays a unique place to live and visit, whether it is to eat and drink or just shop. We are proud of our beautiful city and want people to share the experience!

In your opinion, what are Bath’s top 3 ‘Hidden Gems’?

The Darling Deli in Combe Down for their amazing salads

Dufflebag in the Guildhall Market  - Gill Bell has a fantastic selection of bags

Running Bath – excellent helpful staff

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

People are attracted to Bath as it is full of history, beautiful architecture and unique independent shops and restaurants owned by businesses that care passionately about their city.  We are so lucky to have the various literature, art and music festivals in Bath, all of which attract many visitors to the city, and to be so well supported by the fantastic Bath Bid and Visit Bath.

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

The main challenge we have faced is the recession, people have less disposable income and this combined with the fact that big chain restaurants often produce their food in central kitchens, enabling them to keep costs down without the need for trained chefs, is a real challenge to us.

The public in general would prefer to eat good food that is freshly cooked and we use local suppliers as much as possible, for example, Eades greengrocers, which are also a family business and fresh fish from Dorset.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

Our favourite places to eat are  - The Peking House for Chinese food, The Scallop Shell for fish and chips and The Secret Garden Café at Prior Park Garden Centre for a delicious lunch.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Having owned one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Bath in the 1990’s  - Piazza Ristorante in the Podium – it is a pleasure to be offering similar authentic Italian dishes that we were renowned for, now in a beautiful Georgian setting. We even have some of the same staff from Piazza with us here!

Describe Bath in 3 words

Beautiful, Unique, Historic.