Welcoming the people of Middlesbrough with warmth and hospitality is a family affair for Massimo Arceri.

He’s the man behind Madame Rouge on Linthorpe Road, a vintage pub and tea-room that’s already proven a hit with customers.

His family own the popular Macy Brown’s cocktail bar next door and have ran hospitality businesses since his grandfather opened his first restaurant in Middlesbrough, Joseph’s, in 1969.

“My whole family has been in hospitality and had businesses in Middlesbrough – we still have Macy Brown’s next door, so I wanted my first venture to be in the town I was born,” said Massimo.

“I think Madame Rouge is just what Middlesbrough needs right now – we’ve had some brilliant feedback so far and we’re really excited to see lots of people come through the door.

“There’s some excellent developments happening and we wanted to be part of that resurgence in the town centre.”

Inside Madame Rouge on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough

When We are Middlesbrough visited Madame Rouge it was only 10am, but the venue was already packed with customers for breakfast.

It offers a varied menu of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as afternoon tea – served at a venue which has been completely refurbished with quirky, vintage décor.

On an evening, it turns into a cocktail bar – to compliment its next door neighbour Macy Brown’s.

“As much as we can, we’ll have entertainment whether it’s live music or a DJ,” continued Massimo.

Massimo Arceri at Madame Rouge

“It’s table service, we want people to come in and enjoy themselves and let us look after them.

“We don’t have a specific target audience. We’ve had young people coming in for a catch-up, families, couples, people bringing their mother or their grandmother.

“Everyone is welcome here, it’s about great customer service. We get to know people and they get to know us, that’s been one of the best things we’ve found.”