New bars open in the capital

Italian aperitivo bar comes to the capital

The brothers behind West London’s La Mia Mamma and Made in Italy are bringing a new concept to London – an Italian seafood panino and aperitivo bar, Fish & Bubbles.

Opening on 28 February, the restaurant in Notting Hill, west London, will offer value-led premium casual dining and food inspired by the Italian coast.

The 30-head venue will offer an Italian wine list, seafood sharing boards and an aperitivo menu and will be open daily.

In the evening, the space will transform into a bar.

Founder Peppe Corsaro said: "My fondest memories of growing up in Sicily are the beach days with my family followed by aperitivo, feasting on the best catch of the day, plenty of wine and a fully loaded panino. Fish & Bubbles brings an authentic yet fresh take on the iconic Italian sandwich, using Italian fish recipes passed down through generations and adding quality ingredients into a traditional Rosetta bun for a bite like no other.

“There will also be fritto misto boards, homemade infused negronis and Italian wine served throughout the day and into the evening – we look forward to bringing a touch of Italian coastal culture to London.”

Welsh pub to reopen doors​

The Piccadilly Inn, located in Caerwys, Wales, is set to reopen under new ownership.

The pub has been closed since March 2022 after it struggled to recover from the pandemic.

It was then put up for sale by the owners. In August 2023, it was offered as a potential letting.

Property owner Mark Savva said: “We are delighted that the Piccadilly Inn will be re-opening – it is a real boost for Caerwys.”

The new tenant is John Thompson, who previously operated the Gaerwen Arms in Anglesey until it was devastated by a fire in 2023.

Thompson is looking forward to re-establishing the Piccadilly as a destination foodie venue.

He said: “We are incredibly excited to take over the Piccadilly. From all accounts it was a thriving business in the heart of the Caerwys community. We can’t wait to open our doors to welcome everyone back.”

The letting was brokered by property agent Fleurets’ Manchester office.

Divisional director of Fleurets North West Tim Martin said the pub was a “beautiful” venue that had been “crying out” for an experienced operator to take it on.

He added: “We are sure that the Thompson family will prove to be very successful here because they have the necessary skills, experience and connections to do so.”

Inception Group opens new site ​

Mr Fogg’s City Tavern, a new bar and restaurant in Broadgate Circle, central London, is now open.

The Inception Group site is designed as an ode to a traditional Victorian public house, with the bar & restaurant an eccentric space where the fictional character Mr Fogg and his Victorian trader friends would convene after a long day in the city.

The interior is decorated with bunting, Victorian boxing gloves, a rocking chair. Tankards, wooden hot air balloons and flags.

The wood-panelled tavern features portraits of Fogg’s friends and tables made from glass display cabinets, showcasing collectibles.

Adjoining the tavern is the saloon, which takes inspiration from a traditional pub reception room for games playing and conducting business, with upholstered sofas and low seating.

This leads to the snug, an area which is a transitional space between the tavern and saloon.

The cocktail menu features punches, alongside ‘Matron’s Tipples’ which provide a modern take on classic cocktails.

Chickpea Group adds another pub to portfolio​

Wiltshire-based Chickpea Group will open its latest venue in the founders’ hometown of Salisbury.

The group has acquired the Market Inn in Salisbury’s market square and will reopen the pub in March.

The pub, which dates back to 1904, will have 60 covers inside and a further 80 outside.

The menu will be overseen by executive chef Harry Russell, who has created a pared back offer of ‘classic pub bangers’ that will include handmade pies, which are made at group’s dedicated pie room in nearby Wilton; and fish and chips with curry sauce. There will also be a menu of hearty bar snacks, including Scotch eggs; and Westcombe cheddar and cider rarebit.

The Market Inn will be located next to the group’s Nole on the Square, where customers will be able to order a pizza from next door to take away and enjoy inside the pub.

Read more here​

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