La Corte judged a success

Restauranteurs Franco Iozzi and Angela Brown have toasted the successful opening of their La Corte restaurant, pizzeria and wine bar by providing a lunch to staff from Lancashire Community Finance, who helped launch the business with a £20,000 start-up loan.

Launched in June 2015, La Corte is situated in the magnificent old police station building next to Leyland Railway Station. The original features of the characterful building have been sympathetically restored and the original prison cells transformed into unique, intimate booths for private drinking and dining.

Upstairs, the main restaurant is located in the impressive Courtroom and Judge’s Chambers, with opulent chandeliers, decoration and original features. The Gallery displays stunning pieces from Lancashire artist David Burrow in an exclusive ‘European Echoes’ exhibition.

Manager, Angela Brown, said: “The match-funded loan from Lancashire Community finance enabled us to convert the old police building into a unique wining and dining experience – as far as we’re aware the only conversion of its type in the world. The funding helped us fit the commercial kitchen and complete the transformation of the cells, courtroom and judges’ chambers.

“Since we opened, it has been a roaring success. Our weekend and evening bookings have been full and we’re now looking at ways to get more customers in during the day for lunch or just coffee.”

Lancashire Community Finance provides personal loans, business start-up loans and home improvement loans to provide a better alternative to high cost lenders and finance schemes.

Start Up Loans officer, Ian Ashworth said: “As the local delivery partner for Start Up Loans, a Government backed national initiative aimed at ambitious people who want to start their own business, we can offer business start-ups loans from as little as £250 to be paid back within one to five years at six per cent PA fixed with no arrangement fees. Applicants don’t just get financial help, they also get business support, with all successful loan applicants provided with a business mentor to help guide them on their path to success.

“It’s wonderful to see La Corte thriving. The transformation of the building is just extraordinary and the food is truly exceptional. We’re so proud to have been able to help introduce such a special dining experience to Leyland and help rejuvenate this local landmark in such a splendid way."