Member Info
Maurizio Bocchi is Chef Patron and Proprietor at La Locanda – a nationally acclaimed Italian restaurant in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley.
Growing up on the banks of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, Maurizio gained his diploma as a Perito Agrario (farming and horticulture with chemistry).
In 1996, with his wife Cinzia, Maurizio moved to Lancashire, England; furthering his agricultural education by day and working evenings as commis chef at a local Italian restaurant, quickly being promoted to senior sous chef.With the ultimate goal of having his own restaurant, La Locanda opened its doors in 2003 and continues to win an array of awards. The award Maurizio is most proud of is the ‘Ospitalità Italiana’ – a certification that highlights the best Italian restaurants around the world.
Creating a menu of authentic recipes that go back generations, using exceptional ingredients from small local producers and native Italian suppliers whose ethos aligns with his own – those who use natural farming methods, free from chemicals/pesticides and the highest standards of animal welfare.
A loyal supporter of the Slow Food Organisation and Slow Food UK; Maurizio is a member of the ‘Slow Food Chef Alliance programme’. With the majority of his dishes fulfilling the slow food criteria of: good, clean and fair.
Advocating and promoting the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, Maurizio uses the highest quality EVOO from Italy in his cooking. And in 2013 hosted the UK’s first Extra Virgin Olive Oil conference and reception in Manchester. Attended by award-winning Italian olive oil producers, Italian and English authorities, olive oil, food and health sector specialists, Michelin star chefs as well as press and media; Maurizio gained national media coverage.
In 2022, Maurizio was delighted to be named Marketing Lancashire’s latest Taste Lancashire Ambassador. Joining a stellar line-up of the county’s most celebrated chefs. Leading the way to promote Lancashire as a must-visit food destination.
