The rumours are true. Big Mamma Group is set to open a fourth restaurant in 2022 and this time, they’re heading west to Kensington. They're the group behind Italian (and totally OTT) restaurants Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia, Gloria in Shoreditch and Ave Mario in Covent Garden. And if that doesn’t ring any bells, you might know them from social media as the restaurants that serve their carbonara tableside from a giant wheel of Pecorino. Ding, ding, ding!
The name of the new venue hasn’t yet been revealed, but it’s set to open at 92 Kensington High Street between The Ivy Kensington and Ole and Steen, in a building that was formerly a HSBC bank. Although we’re sure it will resemble anything but a corporate bulding once Big Mamma has had their way with it. Where Circolo aims to mimic a ‘sunny Sicilian trattori’, Gloria is designed in ‘Capri-style’ and Ave Mario is ‘inspired by an idyllic day in Florence’, we’re excited to see exactly which region of Italy the new restaurant aims to bring to life.
It is still very early days for the project and details about the restaurant are pretty scant. It has been reported, however, that the site will be slightly more reserved in size compared to its other restaurants, with 180 covers. For context, Circolo Popolare can hold 200 in its dining room while Ave Mario boasts 295 covers across two terraces and three dining rooms.
As for the food offering, we imagine there will be a string of fabulous Italian plates on the menu. These are the guys that brought us a lemon meringue pie that’s 80% meringue, after all (see below).
One thing is for sure, though. The interiors are bound to be maximalist, extravagant and absolutely fabulous – in true Big Mamma style. And as long as there’s carbonara, we’re happy. Stay tuned for further details to be released.
In other news, Gino D'Acampo wants to marry couples himself at his restaurant Luciano