Saporita in Norwich sees business boom after Channel 4 show

The owners of Saporita, an Italian restaurant in St Andrews Hill, were delighted when producers reached out with plans to bring Katherine Ryan and Joe Wilkinson to the hidden gem.

Veronica Iapichino, originally from Milan, owns and runs the restaurant alongside her partner, Marco Carrizo, and they both enjoyed the filming process.

Veronica said that the show has made the restaurant super busy (Image: Denise Bradley)

"They were so funny," Veronica said.

"They came in a big group so the restaurant was very full. 

"They walked up and down the street so many times to get the right shot."

Katherine Ryan and Joe wilkinson were served by Veronica in the show (Image: Channel 4)

Despite filming the show nearly two years ago, Joe and Katherine's Bargain Holidays aired for the first time on April 27.

"It was a difficult secret to keep for so long!" laughed Veronica.

"I didn't think it would be aired on TV as they filmed it nearly two years ago and we didn't hear anything, then suddenly we heard it would be out in April."

Veronica runs the restaurant alongside her partner, Marc (Image: Denise Bradley)

The delay was worth the wait, as Saporita has been very busy since the episode aired.

"We have had a lot of people calling up and asking to book - particularly last Saturday, it was super busy," Veronica added.

"We've had a lot of new customers come here because they have watched the show.

The restaurant is tucked away on St Andrews Hill (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Lots of people didn't know that we were here before.

"It's been very good for the restaurant."

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Katherine and Joe ordered the apperitivo platter which, at the time of filming, was £10 per person - if Veronica's 'Mama' Patrizia, is in the right mood.

Saporita opened in Norwich seven years ago (Image: Denise Bradley)

Katherine Ryan tried out paddleboarding on the Wensum with Norfolk Paddle Boards (Image: Brittany Woodman)

"We still do the lunch deal, but it was two years ago so prices have gone up!" said Veronica.

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"It is £14 per person now and includes an alcoholic drink too.

"People now walk in and go: "Hello Mama!

"Customers ask what mood she is in!"

Norfolk Paddle Boards at the Red Lion pub, The Last Pub Standing in King Street and Rage Rooms Norwich were among the other venues visited, with the show available on-demand on All Four.