Main image: Il Bambini
Il Gattopardo x Massimo Spigaroli: A Taste of Emilia-Romagna in Mayfair
From 13–19 October, Il Gattopardo in Mayfair welcomes Michelin-starred chef Massimo Spigaroli for a one-off culinary residency. Known as the ‘King of Culatello’ and famed for curing charcuterie on his family estate in Emilia-Romagna, Spigaroli joins Executive Chef Massimo Pasquarelli to showcase the best of Italian artisanal cuisine. Expect limited-edition dishes, including his signature Culatello, herb tortelli, gnocchi made with Spigarolino grains, and a classic Sbrisolona cake with warm zabaglione. For those who can’t make it during the week, a special pairing of 24-month-aged Culatello Oro Spigaroli with a glass of 2024 Sottimano Mate Rosso (£29) will be available until 30 November. It’s a rare chance to taste Spigaroli’s acclaimed produce – usually only found at Antica Corte Pallavicina or a select few restaurants worldwide – right in the heart of Mayfair. Book here.
Bar Brutal Pops Up At Seabird
Barcelona’s cult wine haunt, Bar Brutal, is heading to Hoxton this autumn, taking over Seabird for two months. Expect a bespoke menu of eight ‘coastal classics with a Brutal twist,’ plus a neon-soaked redesign, wax-dripped wine bottles and three Monkey Shoulder cocktails including a stout-inspired Old Fashioned. Three words: count us in. Until 30 November. Book here.
Bonheur Opens In Former Le Gavroche Site
Chef Matt Abé, previously the guardian of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay’s three Michelin stars, is launching Bonheur in Mayfair this autumn in the historic and much-missed Le Gavroche space. If you are amongst those still bereft at its absence, fear not; the new restaurant promises to be very special indeed, with seasonal, craft-driven fine dining and an elevated yet inviting atmosphere – as well as a six-seater chef’s table. Expect two tasting menus (five courses collectively known as Journey, and seven courses called Dream). Opening 4 November. Book here.
Gizzi Erskine Returns To Mare Street Market
Television chef and cookbook author Gizzi Erskine is making a comeback as Creative Director of Mare Street Market – a surprise announcement that’s been met with much approval. Her return signals fresh energy for the Hackney food hub, with plans for French-Americana brasseries across both the original site and the King’s Cross outpost, as well as new ideas for the deli. Healthy yet tasty lunches incoming. Book here.
Field Notes: Ivan Tisdall-Downes returns to London Fields
Former Native co-founder Ivan Tisdall-Downes is bringing his next venture, Field Notes, to London Fields – and, thanks to our love of a good pun, we’re already keen. The 22-seat wine bar and restaurant opens soon on Mare Street, with a changing menu anchored in sustainability and global flavour. Expect dishes like morel har gow, brown crab tikka masala and pickled cockle flatbreads alongside wild sodas and natural wines. Yes, yes and yes again. Book here.
Il Bambini Club Makes UK Debut In Shoreditch
Paris Society’s theatrical Italian concept has landed in East London at The Hoxton. Il Bambini Club brings a late-night trattoria vibe, with house-made pastas, bold pizzas, spritzes, and signature dishes such as truffled tagliatelle, stracciatella focaccia, veal Milanese and oversized desserts. The kind of place you could come with tutta la famiglia in tow (clue’s in the name) – or equally, it would be perfect for cosy, informal dates and nights out with friends. Book here.
