through the door
Local News
41
Farewell to Appia Well loved Storrington restaurant given just one month’s notice to close its doors by Waitrose Alfredo and Rosetta Paradisso have run the Appia restaurant in Storrington for almost 25 years, over which time built up a massive following of loyal customers through a combination of great quality food, very affordable prices, and great personal service. Many of the customers have turned into lifelong friends. That's why around 100 people turned up on a cold Sunday afternoon in January to say farewell to Appia, after discovering it was to close abruptly. Alfredo had received a phone call in late November 2016 from the his landlord, namely the John Lewis Partnership (owners of Waitrose) informing him that the building was being sold and he had just one month to close the business and empty the restaurant. Alfredo held the phone stunned and unable to respond for almost a minute. He was aware that his lease had expired three years previously as a result of the intended, but ultimately abandoned, plan by Waitrose to expand the store, which would have seen his building demolished. However. he had gained the impression that he would be given at least three months notice, and that he possibly had another two or three years left in the building. Afredo says the landlords informed him that the building was impossible to insure, that it had “health and
Alfredo and Rosetta (c) Arts Eye Photography
Christmas period? This delayed the closure until the end of January, so by the time this article is published a firm favourite for many will be no more. The news was especially hard to bear as 2017 would have seen the 25th anniversary of Appia. Alfredo and Rosetta were planning to hold a party for their customers towards the end of the year in celebration. Instead the party was brought forward and the occasion was naturally tinged with some sadness. The couple are devastated. They were looking to stay in Storrington as they have made many friends and loyal customers in the village. Alfredo was indeed
Appia was full at the closing party in January
Guests during the closing party in January
safety issues” and to bring the building up to standard would cost in excess of £200,000. Alfredo thinks that the building will be sold to a developer, demolished, and turned into flats. Alfredo did manage to squeeze another month’s stay of execution - after all, he pointed out, what restaurant is able to suddenly plan to close during the busy
quite upset at the thought that he may not have been able to say goodbye to all his customers, due to the short notice he had been given. In the meantime he asked us to pass on his grateful thanks to all of the customers and friends who have come to the restaurant over the years. The couple are hoping to stay in Storrington and are looking for new premises but it isn't an easy as we all know that there are very few retail units available, and those that are do not have the requisite planning permission for a restaurant.. However they tell us they will keep on trying. We do hope so and, in the meantime, wish these lovely people all the very best. If you have some memories of Appia to share, or comments on the story, please do let us know by emailing info@sussexlocal.net. We will publish as many as we can next month.