The Great Horton establishment was beloved of everyone from students to lorry drivers – and Bradford rockers New Model Army and Terrorvision were regulars too.
It was the place to go for a hearty fry-up and a decent cuppa; the Italia’s generous servings of lasagne and chips were particularly popular.
New Model Army could often be found sitting around a table at the Italia. Pic: Mark Islam
Poet and comic John Hegley recalls the Italia from his student days in Bradford, and acts appearing at the university – including Ian Dury and performance poet/writer Joolz Denby – could often be found in there. Terrorvision frontman Tony Wright even wrote a song about the Italia. His solo album Thoughts ‘n’ All includes a track called Great Horton, paying tribute to some old haunts including the Italia. “Loads of bands used to hang out there – you’d walk in and see New Model Army sitting round a table,” recalled Tony.
Tony Wright of Terrorvision wrote a song paying homage to the Italia
Game of Thrones actor Enzo Cilenti grew up in the Italian family that owned the Italia. Enzo, whose film and TV credits also include Luther, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Martian and Bridget Jones’s Baby, grew up in an Italian family in Bradford and his grandparents, Vincenzo and Donatella Cilenti, established and ran the Italia. “I worked there as a teenager,” Enzo told the T&A. “I served spaghetti to Justin Sullivan and Joolz on a Saturday evening. I’ve still got an Italia menu. I took my wife (actress Sienna Guillory) for breakfast there not long before it closed.”
Enzo Cilenti grew up in the family that owned the Italia
It was a sad day when the Italia closed, in 2003, after 35 years. What are your memories of it?
* Email: emma.clayton@telegraphandargus.co.uk
