Bottega Montalbano – Italian Deli & Gelateria, Tenterden

A Fresh, Elegant Transformation Behind a Beloved High Street Restaurant

Client Background: A Longstanding Partner in Hospitality

This project was a continuation of a trusted working relationship with the owners of Montalbano, a popular and well-established Italian restaurant located on Tenterden High Street. With a reputation for delivering exceptional cuisine and warm service, the team at Montalbano sought to expand their offering by developing a sophisticated Italian deli and gelateria in a building they already owned directly behind the main restaurant.

Previously used for offices, storage, and light food prep, the space was functional but uninspiring. The new brief: create a charming, authentic deli and gelateria serving Italian cakes, traditional antipasti, and freshly made, in-house gelato—a natural extension of the Montalbano brand.

Project Goals

• Transform a dated utility space into a stylish, customer-facing venue

• Deliver a front-of-house experience that reflects Italian tradition and warmth

• Build a small but efficient back-of-house kitchen to support food prep and gelato production

• Integrate bespoke furnishings and professional-grade appliances for aesthetics and function

• Provide indoor and outdoor seating that invites customers to relax and enjoy

Our Work: A Complete Turnkey Fit-Out

1. Full Interior Strip-Out and Reconfiguration

We began by stripping out the existing ceilings, fixtures, and select internal walls to open up the space and create a more natural flow for customer service and seating. This allowed us to reimagine the layout, making room for display counters, seating, and an open, welcoming environment.

2. Elegant Front-of-House Design

The front-of-house area received a complete aesthetic makeover, including:

• Bespoke pastel-coloured bench seating, designed for comfort and Italian flair

• High-spec deli servery counters to showcase cakes, antipasti, and gelato

• Premium floor tiling chosen for both durability and visual appeal

Every element was installed by our team, from joinery and decorative finishes to lighting and electrical systems, ensuring a consistent level of quality throughout.

3. Refined Kitchen and Back-of-House Upgrades

Although compact, the rear kitchen was critical to supporting operations. We:

• Improved the kitchen layout to optimise space and workflow

• Supplied and installed professional kitchen appliances

• Carried out all plumbing and electrical works

• Ensured the setup was compliant with modern hygiene and safety standards

4. Outdoor Area Enhancements

To complement the stylish interior, we also created a charming outdoor seating area, including:

• Resin-bound flooring for durability and easy maintenance

• A retractable awning, allowing customers to enjoy the space come rain or shine

This addition extended the seating capacity and gave the deli a welcoming curb appeal from the back street entrance.

Delivered Services

✅ Strip-out and reconfiguration of original interior
✅ Kitchen layout optimisation and fit-out
✅ Bespoke pastel bench seating and floor tiling
✅ Supply and install of deli servery counters and catering appliances
✅ Full electrical, plumbing, and lighting works
✅ Outdoor area with resin flooring and retractable awning

The Result: Bottega Montalbano – A Taste of Italy in Tenterden

The completed Bottega Montalbano is a beautifully designed deli and gelateria that’s now a bustling destination in its own right. With its soft colour palette, elegant furnishings, and the scent of fresh coffee and gelato in the air, it’s a perfect complement to the Montalbano restaurant just steps away.

We’re proud to have delivered another successful project for a valued client and to have played a role in helping their business grow in both size and reputation.

👉 Scroll down to view photos of the transformation from start to finish.