Italian restaurant Grano Lab is celebrating a double victory after co-owner and chef Luca Cusimano won two titles at the PAPA Industry Awards in London.
Luca was crowned Pizza Chef of the Year 2026, the overall national winner, and also won the SuperTops category with his own creation, The Golden Smoke.
Grano Lab, in Victoria Road, opened in June 2024 and is owned by business partners Luca Cusimano, Marco Mazzara and restaurateur Gianni Pau.
Luca and Marco jointly led the kitchen when the restaurant opened. Marco later moved into the role of General Manager while remaining a co-owner.
Gianni is a business partner but is not involved in day-to-day restaurant operations.
Marco accompanied Luca to the awards ceremony in London, celebrating a milestone for the restaurant just over two years after opening.
Marco Mazzara said: “We are incredibly proud of Luca and what he has achieved. When we opened Grano Lab in June 2024,
"Luca and I were both running the kitchen, sharing the same passion for authentic Italian food and the ambition to create something special in Swindon.
"To see Luca win not one but two national awards just over two years later is an amazing moment for all of us.
"This recognition means so much to our entire team, and we hope it will help put Grano Lab and Swindon on the national food map.”
Luca Cusimano said: “Winning Pizza Chef of the Year 2026 and the SuperTops category is an incredible honour.
"Creating The Golden Smoke was an opportunity to express my passion for pizza and Italian cuisine. To receive this recognition at a national level means so much to me. I’m incredibly proud to bring these two awards back to Grano Lab and Swindon, and I’m grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Gianni Pau said: "I’m so pleased to have such talented and professional business partners I’m so pleased that the hard work it’s slowly slowly paying back. Well done Luca and Marco!"
The achievement has also attracted international attention. Both Luca and Marco took part in a telephone interview with BBC Australia following the awards, discussing the win and pizza traditions, including the debate around pineapple on pizza.
The partners hope the awards will help bring wider recognition to Grano Lab and Swindon’s independent restaurant scene.
(Pictures supplied by Grano Lab)
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