It was the place to be during the halcyon days of the Martin O’Neill era, often packed full with household names such as Izzet, Heskey and Walsh, but Il Baffone sadly faded from the limelight and was neglected. Until now. New owner, Massimo Torre, has overseen a substantial makeover, bringing the venue up to contemporary standards, whilst paying homage to the glory days…

“Baffone is simply about the atmosphere. We produce great Italian food and we are passionate about people having a good time, so that they come back to visit us and tell their friends about Baffone.”

Located on Humberstone Road, Il Baffone is so close to the Cultural Quarter and the bustling shopping areas of Humberstone Gate, Leicester Market and Highcross Leicester. So close, infact, that you can almost smell Naples and Rome wafting out of the kitchen and in to the city.

“I had to get the food right before anything else. Between the Chef, Carlos, and myself, we use the influences of my home city, Naples and my favourite city, Rome, to create an exciting mix of quality Italian food, hopefully just like my mother makes.”

The reference to family is close to Massimo’s heart. From watching, learning and eventually helping his mother to prepare meals for the whole family as a youngster, to creating an authentic Italian menu for the customers he refers to as his ‘family’, there is a genuine enthusiasm for his role and for the restaurant.

“Baffone is a way of life for me. This is not a job, it is true love. During the week, this is a quiet venue for couples, families and friends to enjoy the food. At weekends, it is party time when the Karaoke comes out and the guests become the stars of the show.”

But Massimo has ensured that one star will shine brightest at Baffone. As soon as he took over ownership of the restaurant he called the venue’s favourite son, probably the city’s favourite adopted son, former Leicester City Captain, Steve Walsh.

“I asked Walshy if he would like to be involved again. I know how much Baffone means to him and how many great memories he has of the place. Having Steve involved is great as the people of Leicester love him and he loves them.”

Walsh will be helping with promotions and marketing, as well as hosting events at the venue. Just one look at the walls tells the story of a proud sporting association for the venue, as City’s Wembley winner explains.

“A lot of the shirts on the walls were donated by friends of mine, former City stars like Muzzy Izzet and Neil Lennon. We also have some unique items such as Kiko’s shirt from our UEFA Cup battle against Athletico Madrid and David Seaman who gave me a shirt for my testimonial year in 1997.

“I had some incredible days and nights here. It was like a second home. We would all pile in on Fridays after training to devour huge bowls of pasta and more often than not we were here celebrating after a victory on a Saturday. I’m sure there’ll be many more nights of celebration to come.”

Massimo, who played football in Italy to a reasonable level himself, is keen to see Leicester City return to the Premier League, but it was Napoli and a certain Diego Maradona who ignited his love of the game.

“Maradona was a god in Naples. He changed Italian football forever. If I could be half as good a restaurateur as he was a footballer then Baffone will be a huge success!”

The likeable and engaging Italian may not quite live up to his hero’s status, but the improvements at Baffone are clear to see. New flooring, refurbished bathroom facilities, contemporary decoration and a new menu, including his own favourites such as fresh mussels, king prawns, fillet steak and a classic Neapolitan pizza, guarantees that every taste will be catered for.

All of which, thanks to Massimo, Walshy and some help from the family, ensures that there’ll be a corner of Leicester city centre that will be forever Italy.

Il Baffone is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 12pm-2.30pm and 6.30pm-11pm. Based 10-12 Humberstone Road, Leicester, call 0116 253 7567 to book. Functions and parties available, with Karaoke at weekends.