End of an era as city restaurant closes down

LORENZO'S WAS POPULAR WITH HOST OF CELEBRITIES

- WILLIAM TELFORD

DIVING star Tom Daley’s favourite Plymouth restaurant is to close, after being hit with mounting costs.

Tapas bar Lorenzo’s traded for 30 years and became a top draw for theatre stars, including Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke and Shane Richie.

Owner Michael O’Shaughnessy has decided to shutter the Derry’s Cross eatery after utility bills soared and the rent increased. He said, in the current economic climate, keeping the restaurant open was no longer viable.

It means the end of an era for the city centre. Lorenzo’s was originally opened by renowned restaurateur Edmond Davari under the name Sardi’s before he changed it to its current title many years ago. Mr O’Shaughnessy has owned it for a decade, during which time the venue became a top draw for stage stars performing at the nearby Theatre Royal Plymouth.