After extensive refurbishment, our new Italian restaurant is set to officially launch on Saturday 6th August within Flamingo Land Resort. TV actress Jennifer Metcalfe will be opening the venue by cutting the ribbon at midday, before attending a private function within the restaurant.

The Ristorante has been named after top Italian Chef Fabrizio Tomasi, famed for his involvement with Florios Pizzeria in Malton – the food capital of Yorkshire. Fabrizio is from Sardinia and sources many of his ingredients from his homeland. Fabrizio’s pizzas have become an institution in Yorkshire because of his special ‘secret’ recipe.

Jennifer Metcalfe is best known for playing Mercedes McQueen in Hollyoaks and has commented "I am delighted to have been asked back to Flamingo Land to be involved in their new project. I have enjoyed frequent visits and am a big fan of all their rides and animals. I now look forward to trying my favourite Italian dishes at Fabrizio’s".

Jennifer will be accompanied by her partner Greg Lake, formerly of the popular TV show Geordie Shore. Jennifer will also introduce the 11:00am ‘Pirates of Zanzibar’ outdoor production show on that Saturday. This is Flamingo Land’s newest attraction, which tells swashbuckling tales of their Tanzanian pirates’ adventures, and features acrobatics, comedy, singing and dancing, along with an impressive array of special effects.

Members of the public will be able to sample the restaurant for themselves from 3:00pm, after Jennifer has departed. This is available for both day visitors to the park, as well as those staying at the Resort, which includes holiday homes to hire and buy, along with campsite facilities.

The park, which has been part of the Yorkshire tourist scene for over 40 years, has significantly evolved in size and stature over the years, making it one of the most visited attractions in the country today, and the UK’s most popular animal collection.