The Stafford’s Ben Tish to open new restaurant Norma

The Stafford hotel in London’s St James’ is set to open a new, independent Sicilian-inspired restaurant this summer in partnership with its culinary director Ben Tish.

The Stafford’s culinary director Ben Tish with its general manager Stuart Proctor

Based on Charlotte Street, in Fitzrovia, Norma’s cuisine will be inspired by the food and culture of Sicily with particular emphasis on the Moorish influences on the Island’s cuisine.

The restaurant itself is described as “contemporary and provocative, whilst embodying the celebrated old-school Italian hospitality and charm”, and will also take inspiration from the grand café culture found in Sicily.

Speaking about the new restaurant, executive chef, Ben Tish, said: “It’s a concept I’m passionate about and have been working on for a while. I’m intrigued by Sicily and the Moorish influences found in its culture and architecture, and Norma has been inspired by much time eating and drinking though this part of the world.”

Housed in a converted characterful townhouse on Charlotte Street, the restaurant will be split across three floors: the bottom two will be dedicated to the restaurant and a first-floor cocktail bar, with the top floor a private dining space.

There will also be a crudo bar at the entrance of Norma, serving up seasonal raw seafood, dressed in olive oils and other flavourings.

Dishes will make use of seasonal Italian and British produce, and will include a selection of anti-pasti and pastas, to larger grilled meat and fish dishes.

Upstairs in the private dining room, guests will be able to order large family-style sharing dishes including whole fish and platters of seasonal vegetables.

The opening of Norma follows the launch of The Game Bird, within The Stafford hotel, in 2017 and the relaunch of its American Bar in 2018. 

“Norma will be a great addition to the already strong restaurant offering at The Stafford and we are looking forward to bringing the exceptional levels of service for which we are already known, to a brand-new concept and location,” added The Stafford London’s general manager, Stuart Procter.

Norma is due to open this summer.

Norma’s interior