Acclaimed British Chef, Theo Randall is set to open a new ‘casual dining’ restaurant in Kensington, London. Theo’s Simple Italian at Hotel Indigo London Kensington – Earl’s Court opens on 14th March, with Head Chef William Leoni at the helm. Inspiring diners to recreate the simple Italian food they love at home, the restaurant also features an Italian deli selling seasonal produce, fine ingredients and artisan products.
Leoni, formerly of Theo Randall at the InterContinental and Sartoria, has worked closely with Randall to create vibrant dishes focused on seasonality and flavour. Cooked simply, the dishes are the perfect combination of quality ingredients and innovation, drawing on the ethos of Randall’s recent cookery book, My Simple Italian (Ebury Press).
The menu is a carefully considered selection of dishes to suit different occasions. Cicchetti (for those after a quick, light bite with an Italian craft beer) include grilled Bramata polenta with smashed salt cod and red anchovies; and classic bruschetta with vibrant roasted Datterini tomatoes, fresh marjoram and new season olive oil. Larger anti pasti (perfect for sharing), primi and secondi dishes follow, such as Carne Salata – a fresh rocket salad with melt in the mouth cured Black Angus beef, aged balsamic vinegar and parmesan and indulgent Tuscan gnudi with parmesan, sage and noisette butter. There is also a choice of classic, comforting pasta dishes like pappardelle con ragu di coda di bue – fresh pasta with slow cooked oxtail ragu and red wine.
Creative Director Theo Randall comments: “This casual dining Italian restaurant is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I love the local area, my children even go to school near–by, so I wanted the restaurant to be warm and inviting – a place for neighbours to feel completely relaxed. The food reflects this idea; we’ve made it simple by stripping back the dishes to let the ingredients really sing out. I love creating real food that people want to eat. That’s what Italian cooking is all about!”
For those popping in for a quick take–away lunch, snack or treat, a cold counter will stock homemade pastries in the morning; cakes, charcuterie and cheeses in the afternoon. A mix of local and Italian craft beers, and an all–Italian wine list are available to complement the menu, or simply to enjoy at the bar.
Like all of IHG’s Hotel Indigo properties, the feel is boutique and individual, with quirky touches related to its location. Bringing a sense of place to this new London-based Italian restaurant, real coffee lovers will enjoy the coffee van parked outside the hotel serving artisan coffee courtesy of Workshop Coffee. The first place in west London to work with the Clerkenwell–based artisan coffee company, hotel guests, restaurant diners and local passers-by will enjoy a bespoke brew, with beans ground to suit every taste.
Philip Chambers, General Manager for Hotel Indigo London Kensington – Earl’s Court says of the opening; “We want people to feel like they are a part of a family when they dine with us, and most importantly, that it’s a place where they can relax, have fun and try something new. The food, local and craft beers, and Italian wines are all outstanding with a fantastic team, both inside and outside the kitchen, to bring it all to life.”
The light and bright restaurant interior is separated into separate areas, providing a sense of intimacy whilst lending itself to a buzzing atmosphere. The 54 cover restaurant will seat 20 in the bar and 10 in a ‘snug’ area designed for private meetings and events.
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