New Italian cocktail bar Mercato Nero opens in Bridport

The owners of pizza restaurant and deli, Mercato Italiano, have expanded with a new "business within a business" by adding a bar to the mezzanine floor of their current premises.

The location for the new bar is a little unusual in that it's not in the high street - but on an industrial estate.

The new cocktail bar – Mercato Nero –  on the mezzanine floor of Mercato Italiano in looking over the restaurant below which opened with much acclaim.

The bar in Dreadnought Trading Estate has been the brainchild of owners Ilaria Padovani and her husband Rob.      

Ilaria and Rob Padovani at the opening of the cocktail bar (Image: Adam Victor)

It has been designed in collaboration with artist Beverley Rouwen.  

It has a European-influenced zinc bar, Art Deco appointments, Formica tops and atmospheric lighting.

The cocktail menu, carefully curated by David Smith (previously of Dark Bear), offers cocktails with "absolute commitment to definitive Italian aperitivo".

The new bar will open from Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm until 11pm.

Mercato Nero on Dreadnought Trading Estate (Image: Adam Victor)

Ilaria said: “We hope to offer an escape, a world within a world, somewhere to truly relax and enjoy company with family and friends the Italian way."

She: added: "People have always supported us from day one, especially through lockdown and Covid.

"It is a new adventure and it gives people a chance to dress nicely to come to the industrial estate and have a drink.

"I specialise in food and cured meat and so it is a new world for me, but I am learning a lot from David who is an expert.

"It has been a big project but our customers were very happy to have something different."

The bar was officially opened by Bridport's new mayor, Anne Rickard, following a few words by councillor Dave Bolwell.

Cllr Bolwell said: “I was very intrigued when I first heard of their plans to create Mercato Nero and I am so pleased that the result is a masterpiece, classy and beautifully designed by Beverley.   

Mercato Nero on Dreadnought Trading Estate (Image: Adam Victor)

"I am confident this will be a wonderful and unique venue for the people of Bridport to enjoy.

"I thank Ilaria and Rob for bringing a little piece of Italy to Bridport and take this opportunity to congratulate them both on their achievements here in Bridport.”