Nico's Menu Mission

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Factual: Food & Drink

Following chef Nico Simeone's attempts to expand beyond Scotland.

Following Italian-Scottish chef Nico Simeone's attempts to expand beyond Scotland.

Series 1

Nico's Menu Mission: Series 1: Episode 2

Episode 2

BBC Scotland - Nico's Menu Mission, Series 1, Episode 2

After opening his Belfast restaurant, Nico is convinced his menu will be a hit in England.

Nico Simeone is a rising star in the stormy world of restaurants. As big-name restaurants close in 2019, after successfully opening in Belfast, Nico wants to take on England.

Nico looks to expand into England for the first time, scoping out a site in Manchester. But there are plenty of hurdles still in the way, and planning, staffing and time all play their part in a hectic few weeks. 

He has found a site in Manchester that was previously a cocktail bar, and so it will take major restructuring work to get it up and running as a restaurant, not to mention the dreaded planning applications.

Nico's self-imposed opening deadline must coincide with the other restaurants for the six-week structure of his six-course tasting menu. One impressive aspect of Nico’s business plan is that the entire expansion is self- funded, with no banks or borrowing, just a lot of hard work to keep the money coming in and the brand heading on a constant upwards trajectory.

We meet marketing whizz Simi, one of Nico’s best friends, and see how he cut through the noise with his 111 by Nico campaign, turning the place into one of Glasgow’s most buzzing food destinations. We also meet customer services manager Neal, who explains Nico’s addiction to planning, preparing and opening the restaurants.

Opening night brings its own problems as the expensive ventilation system is not functioning correctly, making for an extremely hot kitchen. And Simi brings competition winners to the new site, as he did in Belfast. The kitchen is under pressure - but will the customers be impressed once again?

Nico's Menu Mission: Series 1

A BBC TV channel for Scotland which will broadcast every evening and will show drama, factual, comedy and news programmes made in Scotland


Series following Italian-Scottish chef Nico Simeone as attempts to expand beyond Scotland.

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Nico's Menu Mission

Series 1

Episode 2

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