3 months ago
Big news for London’s food lovers! The renowned Italian chef Francesco Mazzei is set to launch his signature restaurant at the prestigious Corinthia London next summer.
The new venture will take over the space previously occupied by The Northall brasserie, promising an exciting addition to the capital’s dining scene.
If you’re familiar with Francesco Mazzei’s work, you’ll know this is something to look forward to. The Calabrian-born chef, known for his passion for authentic Italian cuisine, describes his style as “mamma’s cooking with a chef’s hands.” And with a track record that spans some of the most iconic restaurants in the UK and abroad, you can expect nothing less than exceptional food and an irresistible atmosphere.
The transformation at Corinthia London will see Mazzei bringing his signature flair to the five-star hotel in Whitehall. Although the finer details are still under wraps, the hotel’s managing director, Thomas Koch, has hinted that there are plenty of exciting plans in the pipeline. While we wait for more information, it’s safe to say that Mazzei’s arrival will be a game-changer for London’s Italian dining scene.
Currently, Mazzei is in residence at Corinthia London’s sister property, Corinthia Palace in Malta, where he has been delighting guests with his unique approach to Italian cooking. His return to London marks a much-anticipated homecoming for the chef, who has become one of the city’s most celebrated culinary figures.
Francesco Mazzei’s culinary journey began in his uncle’s gelateria, but his passion for cooking soon took him around the world. From working with Willi Elsener and Henry Brosi at The Dorchester, to stints at La Terrazza dell’Eden in Rome and opening Santini restaurants in Edinburgh and Milan, Mazzei’s career is marked by his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
He later joined forces with famed restaurateur Alan Yau, contributing to a string of successful ventures in Mumbai and across the UK. In London, Mazzei honed his craft at renowned spots like Franco’s on Jermyn Street and St Alban with Jeremy King and Chris Corbin, before going on to open L’Anima in the City and several sites with D&D, including Sartoria in Mayfair, Radici in Islington, and Fiume at Battersea Power Station. Last year, Mazzei parted ways with D&D, leaving many to wonder what his next move would be.
Mazzei is thrilled about his upcoming venture at Corinthia London. “Since my last ventures in London, I had been searching for the right opportunity, so when the prospect to open here at Corinthia London presented itself, I was delighted,” he shared. “It is the perfect location for me to showcase the most beautiful, classic Italian cooking that I am so excited to share.”
The feeling is mutual at Corinthia London. Thomas Koch added, “I am so happy to be able to create a restaurant with Francesco and the team here at the hotel, which will be for Londoners and hotel guests alike. Francesco’s personality and his spectacular Italian food will be irresistible for sure.”
While the specifics are yet to be revealed, you can bet that Mazzei’s restaurant will offer an authentic Italian dining experience that is both approachable and exquisite. With the chef’s passion for classic Italian dishes and his knack for creating warm, inviting spaces, it’s bound to become a favourite for Londoners and visitors alike.
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates in the coming months. This is one opening that’s set to make waves in the capital’s culinary landscape!
Location? Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
When does it open? Mid 2025