About Us

about Lora & Steve

With over sixty years of combined experience in the hotel, restaurant and bar industry, we’ve embarked on a new chapter— one that channels our expertise into a thoughtfully curated venture.

Rooted in simplicity yet elevated by refined touches, Villa Loredana offering is designed to evoke a sense of quiet luxury and genuine pleasure. Set in the heart of Italy, this intimate experience reflects a lifelong devotion to good food & wine and appreciation of nice spaces. It was this passion that led to the discovery of Villa Loredana, where bespoke weekend escapes celebrate the timeless elegance of authentic Italian living

Steve

Steve began his career in Michelin-starred establishments in France, focusing on a bar career that led him to the UK in late 90-ies, where he worked under the influential wine and beverage icon Gérard Basset and Hotel Du Vin Hotels.

His first business venture, In Vino Veritas, earned recognition for having one of the UK’s best wine lists in 2009, reflecting his deep appreciation for global wines, particularly Italian selections.
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Back in 2002, Steve was honoured as the UK’s Best Barman, fuelling his passion for bartending and mixology alongside his profound respect for wines.This passion culminated in the opening of L’Atelier du Vin in Brighton, a 1920s prohibition-themed bar that was named Best Newcomer in the UK for 2018 and ranked 47th among the UK’s top bars in 2019.

Steve continues to divide his time between the UK and Italy, actively engaging in his passions within both regions. In the UK, he oversees operations at L’Atelier Du Vin and Cases, the prohibition-themed bars and Cheese and Wine Bar in Brighton. In Italy, alongside his partner Lora, he manages Villa Loredana, a serene haven in Tuscany designed for relaxation, great food and wine, and restful stays. Steve is an avid runner, often taking the rolling Tuscan Hills surrounding Villa Loredana, where he combines his love for endurance running with the joy of sampling local wines post-run.

Lora

Lora has dedicated her career to hospitality, with a strong focus on small luxury hotels. Her most impactful experiences come from working with Hotel du Vin and THE PIG Hotels, where she played a key senior role in multiple openings and operational setups.

Working closely with industry visionary Robin Hutson, she gained invaluable expertise in creating unique and seamless guest experiences.
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