Fortitude to PR latest Oxford restaurant opening

The premium casual dining restaurant group is due to open its 14^th UK site in Oxford by the end of the year. Gusto Italian appointed Fortitude following a competitive pitch process to help build brand awareness via an integrated a communications campaign. 

The new Gusto Italian restaurant and bar will open in the historic Old Mitre Hotel building on Oxford High Street. The venue is one of the most historic hostelries in Oxford, with the Grade II listed building dating back to 1630. Gusto Italian’s restoration of the site will be done sympathetically and the company has appointed specialists to conduct the work. 

The 10,000 sq ft restaurant and cocktail bar will provide 170 covers on the ground floor serving both diners and drinks guests, and 60-cover private dining and function room on the first floor. Gusto Italian is all about making the most of out of life: celebrating life’s little moments, making every day extraordinary, and making the everyday exquisite. 

Brand building

Susie Clark, Gusto Italian head of marketing said: ​“We’re looking forward to bringing Gusto Italian to Oxford for guests to enjoy our immersive brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks experiences. It will be a great addition to the city and bring a completely different immersive dining experience to people.

​“Fortitude impressed us with its understanding of our brand, its approach to integrated communications, track record and connections in Oxford. We are looking forward to working with team at Fortitude to create a buzz around our opening and help cement us in the Oxford community.”

The team at Fortitude will deliver services including strategy, media relations, partners and collaborations, event support, video production and photography. 

Greig Box Turnbull, director at Fortitude said: ​“The opening of Gusto Italian in Oxford is an exciting development for the city’s visitor, leisure and hospitality economy. We’re looking forward to helping this fantastic brand make a big impact in Oxford via the delivery of a strategic communication campaign.”

Fortitude was founded by Greig Box Turnbull, who is a former Oxford United managing director and Daily Mirror journalist. It has clients across a range of sectors including sport, leisure, charity and corporate.