Ask (restaurant)

Ask is a popular British restaurant chain, specialising in Italian cuisine. It was founded in 1993 by brothers Adam and Samuel Kaye, the name "Ask" being an acronym of their initials. The restaurant chain is part of the Azzurri Group, which also owns other popular restaurant brands such as Zizzi and Coco di Mama.

History

The first Ask restaurant was opened in London in 1993. The Kaye brothers, who had previously founded the successful Garfunkel's and Deep Pan Pizza chains, saw a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable Italian cuisine. The chain quickly expanded, and by 2004 there were over 200 Ask restaurants across the UK.

In 2004, Ask was acquired by Gondola Group, the parent company of PizzaExpress and Zizzi. The acquisition led to a period of further expansion and development for the brand. In 2015, Gondola Group was bought by Bridgepoint Capital, and the Ask brand became part of the newly formed Azzurri Group.

Menu

Ask's menu focuses on traditional Italian dishes, with a particular emphasis on pizza and pasta. The restaurant also offers a range of antipasti, salads, and desserts, as well as a comprehensive wine list. Many of the dishes on the menu are inspired by the cuisine of specific regions of Italy, and the restaurant prides itself on using authentic Italian ingredients wherever possible.

Reception

Ask has generally received positive reviews for its food and service. The restaurant has been praised for its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. However, like many restaurant chains, it has also faced criticism for perceived inconsistencies in food quality and service between different locations.

See also

• List of Italian restaurants
• List of restaurant chains in the United Kingdom