The business: La Barca, 80-81 Lower Marsh, 020 7261 9221, www.labarca.co.uk

The owners: Husband and wife Eugenio (Gino) and Tanya Davoli.

How long has La Barca been in Waterloo? “La Barca has been here since 1976 but Gino has been running the restaurant for 25 years.”

Describe the business? “We serve traditional Italian food with an emphasis on authentic regional ingredients and a warm Italian welcome.”

What is the secret to good Italian food? “Employ a good Italian chef and use seasonal Italian ingredients.”

What dishes are you best known for? “Spaghetti La Barca and food critics regularly write about our flambé dishes.”

I understand you have a few famous customers? “We have celebrities in most nights. We’ve served Tony Blair, Kylie Minogue, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro…too many to count.”

What are your plans for the future? “We won’t open another restaurant but might look to open a delicatessen. We also might convert our cellar into a private room with some vintage wines.”

What are your plans for Christmas? “We’ve just installed our Christmas decorations, which look great. We also cater for Christmas parties and are nearly fully booked for New Year’s Eve.”

Tell us a little known fact about the business: “Gino is a qualified pilot. His passions are food and flying – but food comes first.”