About a year ago, we reported that the Big Mamma group (Circolo Popolare, Gloria, Carlotta, etc.) had their sights set on Canary Wharf. Now, we finally know what they have planned for their restaurant there.
Barbarella will be a retro-styled self-described “wild jungle-themed urban apartment.” It occupies the former site of All Bar One in the YY building on the South Portico, which was already a big old place. But they’ve also expanded the space upwards to take over the ground floor, which will house their 70s-style chrome lounge bar. There’s room for 225 diners in total.
The theme is said to be inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema in the 70s. Think a huge mirrored glass bar, vintage Ferragamo silks everywhere, and even a gelato terrace.
The all-Italian menu, helmed by chef Marco Rastelli, will feature Roman-style, ultra-thin pizzas, as well as dishes such as:
Italian tomato tartare with parmesan cream
Metre-long pasta
1.2kg T-bone steak from Phillip Warren in Cornwall
The upstairs bar will offer the group’s most extensive cocktail list to date, including a pistachio espresso martini, and a selection of vintage Italian wines. Outside on the seafront terrace, they’ll be serving a special gelato menu that sounds perfect for summer.
It was already destined to happen.
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