Owners Gennaro Campanile and Paolo Alleva officially opened PaGe One on March 26 with a roaring and packed night, featuring live performances from Hampshire-based singer-songwriter Emma Hardy and Chris Payn, a live frontman who has performed with well-known artists.
The pair decided to start their own business after working together at Da Vinci’s, an Italian restaurant also located in Poole Quan.
Gennaro Campanile and Paolo Alleva (Image: NQ)
Replacing the previous bar – Drift, which closed in November – PaGe One, an amalgamation of their first names, highlights their close working relationship.
“We’re trying to do something different, which is missing in the town,” said Paolo.
The bar is a small but bright and cosy place, where patrons can enjoy reasonable priced cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.
“It’s pretty lively but at the same time comfortable and relaxing,” added Gennaro.
The pair pride themselves on being one of the most affordable places to drink in Poole, with drinks such as a double gin and tonic being just £7.50. The bar also offers a loyalty card for residents, where they can collect their tenth drink for free.
As the pair eagerly await the warm summer ahead, the bar will offer outdoor seating where patrons can soak up sunshine with a refreshing cocktail or two.
Gennaro said: “We are doing something to make all BCP people happy.”
PaGe One Bar in Poole Quay (Image: NQ)
Despite opening just last week, the pair have their sites on expanding following the early success and feedback.
“There’s a reason it’s called PaGe One,” Paolo said.
“The aim is to make sure there is a PaGe Two, or PaGe Three.”
“There’s more places (to drink), to work, more employment around. I know it’s a small thing but it’s creating jobs.”
Their hope is to create the same cosy, yet lively, atmosphere that their Poole Quay bar has already.
Open seven days a week, from 11am to 1pm, Gennaro and Paolo are hoping to host live music each Thursday and Sunday evening.
The bar will welcome Extreme Latin Band, a Bournemouth-based group, this Easter Sunday for a live performance.
“We’re looking forward to having fun. It’s not just about work; it’s not just about the business – it’s about having fun and making the community enjoy what’s going on in Poole,” added Gennaro.
“We do believe the more, the merrier.”