Clove Club founders to open ‘Britalian’ restaurant

The founders of the Michelin-starred Clove Club in Shoreditch are to open a “Britalian” restaurant in Clerkenwell serving Italian food made with seasonal British produce.

grouse ravioli

Called Luca, the restaurant is due to open next month and will serve the likes of spaghettini with Morecambe Bay shrimps and mace butter; grouse ravioli with potato and whisky sauce; and Angus beef rump stuffed with pancetta.

Luca is the brainchild of Isaac McHale, Daniel Willis and Johnny Smith, and will be run by Smith while McHale continues to head up the Clove Club.

Head chef Robert Chambers comes by way of The Square, The Lebdury and Locanda Locatelli. As expected, the wine list will have a strong Italian focus.

The 60-seater space on St John Street will be centered around a semi-open kitchen, with a pasta making room doubling as a private dining room when needed.

The bar at Luca will serve a separate menu of snacks, sharing plates and Italian cocktails laced with vermouth, Aperol, Campari and limoncello.

Serving espresso and pastries in the morning, the bar will offer salads, sandwiches and cured meats at lunch and sharing plates in the evening.