THEY are dotted about most major UK cities and the one in Manchester's Spinningfields does an excellent puttanesca spaghetti. A bit light handed on the chillies, unless you tell them otherwise, but it remains Liverpool Confidential's favourite daytime bet when we have to visit the Rainy City. 

Now Corporation Carluccio is coming to Liverpool's Met Quarter. Undercover, so no need to hold a brolly over your anchovies.

The latest addition to the Carluccio’s family, established by Antonio Carluccio in London in 1991, will offer a signature combination of Italian restaurant, caffè and food shop, it says here. 

A central marble bar, a restaurant serving handmade pasta, seasonal fish, meat and vegetarian dishes and desserts based on Antonio Carluccio’s original recipes. Two courses paired with a glass of something fruity will set you back £15.

There's also a food-shop and deli. Others have tried this before in the MetQuarter with varying degrees of success (H, anyone?) because like anything that's a winner, it looks easy.

But Carluccio's are a bit more familiar with the dance and their stylised version adds to independents already thriving in the city centre at Delifonseca in Stanley Street and Lunya in College Lane. 

Simon Kossoff, CEO at Carluccio’s, said: “We have been looking to open a Carluccio’s in Liverpool for some time now. We are delighted to have found a site in the fantastic MetQuarter retail development”. 

Opening around the equinox.