Celebrating Spanish Cuisine: Lunya and Lunyalita’s Prestigious Recognition
A Liverpool restaurant and bar group has recently garnered significant acclaim from the Spanish government, marking a milestone in its culinary journey. Lunya and Lunyalita, established by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Peter and Elaine Kinsella, have been awarded the coveted “Restaurants from Spain” certification by Foods & Wines from Spain (ICEX). This organization is dedicated to promoting Spanish food and drink on an international scale, and this recognition underscores the authenticity and quality of their offerings.
The Significance of the Certification
The “Restaurants from Spain” certification is not just a badge of honor; it represents a commitment to maintaining high standards in Spanish cuisine. Valid for two years, the certification is subject to renewal, with ICEX continuously monitoring certified establishments to ensure they uphold the required standards. Currently, over 500 restaurants across 50 countries hold this status, with a significant concentration in London. However, Lunya and Lunyalita stand out as the first combined restaurant and deli in England outside of London to receive this prestigious recognition.
A Unique Culinary Experience
In addition to the “Restaurants from Spain” certification, Lunya’s deli and gourmet shop has also been awarded the “Colmado from Spain” status. This certification is specifically for specialist retailers of Spanish food and drink, further emphasizing the uniqueness of Lunya’s offerings. Peter Kinsella expressed his excitement about this dual recognition, highlighting the deli’s distinctiveness in the British market.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Peter Kinsella, now 62, shared that the news of their recognition came in a rather unceremonious manner—via email. Despite the understated delivery, the impact of the news was profound. “It was brilliant for us to get it for both restaurants, but also for the deli as well, because the deli is utterly unique. There’s nothing like it in Britain,” he remarked.
Reflecting on their journey, Peter noted the initial gamble of opening in Liverpool 16 years ago. “It was a real gamble to open in Liverpool. But it is a gamble that has paid off because people still love and support us,” he said. This support has been crucial, especially in challenging times for the restaurant industry.
High Standards and Impressive Scores
The rigorous assessment process for the certifications involved a quantitative evaluation, where Lunya and Lunyalita scored an impressive 96% overall for the “Restaurants from Spain” certification. Meanwhile, Lunya’s deli achieved an outstanding score of 98 out of 100 in its “Colmados from Spain” assessment. These scores reflect not only the quality of food but also the dedication of the team behind the scenes.
A Culinary Hub in Liverpool
Founded in 2010, Lunya is a Spanish and Catalan deli, restaurant, and bar group located in Liverpool. The flagship venue on Hanover Street combines a spacious restaurant with a gourmet shop that stocks over 100 authentic Spanish products. Lunyalita, situated at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, serves as a vibrant bar and restaurant, further enriching the local culinary landscape.
Both venues have received accolades from esteemed publications, including the Good Food Guide, The Guardian, and The Times. Notably, Lunya was named Good Food North West Restaurant of the Year in both 2015 and 2016, solidifying its reputation as a culinary destination.
A Connection to Spanish Heritage
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Lunya’s success is the connection it fosters with Spanish visitors. Peter shared a delightful anecdote about Spanish tourists discovering the deli while exploring Liverpool. “You always see people looking in the window, mouths wide open, recognizing things from their local town or village,” he said. This connection not only validates their efforts but also highlights the passion and enthusiasm that Lunya brings to its culinary offerings.
The Team’s Spirit and Community Support
The recognition from ICEX has uplifted the entire team at Lunya and Lunyalita. Peter emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “Our guests really love what we do, and they tell us. They leave lovely reviews.” This feedback serves as a testament to the authenticity of their culinary experience and the dedication of the team.
In a year filled with challenges, this recognition means everything to the team. It serves as an affirmation of their hard work and commitment to delivering genuine Spanish cuisine to Liverpool and beyond.
