Hollywood actor Theo James is stepping into the restaurant world with a new Italian venture in Highbury, North London.
He’s teaming up with Ed Templeton, co-founder of Carousel, to launch Lupa - a neighbourhood osteria inspired by traditional Roman eateries.
Named after the mythical she-wolf of Rome, Lupa aims to celebrate the simplicity and warmth of Roman cooking, with a 'distinct London flare.'
Naz – the chef
In the kitchen is chef Naz Hassan, known for his work at former East London restaurant Pidgin, as well as time at Clipstone, Neo Bistro, and BiBi. Having grown up in Italy, Hassan brings a deep understanding of Roman cuisine and will be hand-rolling fresh pasta daily.
Naz started young, working in his family’s restaurant in Milan at just 14. After moving to London at 19, he trained in some of the city’s top kitchens, including BiBi, Crispin, Social Eating House, and The Cut at 45 Park Lane.
In 2023, he became head chef at the much-loved Hackney restaurant Pidgin, where he impressed with creative dishes like lamb birria tacos and peach mille-feuille.
He’s also known for standout pop-up dinners at spots like Carousel and Oranj, where he showcased dishes inspired by his Bangladeshi-Italian background - such as paneer-stuffed courgette flowers and lobster claw bhaji.
The menu
The menu will highlight classic Roman dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and bucatini all’amatriciana, alongside deep-fried antipasti such as fiori di zucca (stuffed courgette flowers) and supplì al telefono (mozzarella-filled rice balls). Expect mains like porchetta, grilled lamb cutlets, and seasonal sides including braised artichokes and spring vegetables in broth.
Sundays will offer special dishes like lasagne and cream-filled buns, while match days will feature porchetta sandwiches to go.
Lupa’s interior is designed to be relaxed and intimate, echoing the feel of a Roman osteria. The project is a passion effort from Theo and Ed - both Highbury locals - along with actors Georgia Maguire and Ruth Kearney, who helped with the design.
For drinks, the restaurant will focus on cocktails, spritzes, and affordable wines. Lupa is designed to be a neighbourhood favourite - casual, fun, and deeply delicious.
Ed Templeton said: “Theo and I are both Highbury locals and share an ambition to open an enduring neighbourhood classic. It's taken eighteen months to make it happen, but we knew it was a special corner of Highbury from the start, we just needed a special chef who could help us bring the Roman dream to life.
"Working together with Naz, we've conceived a menu that's casual, fun and delicious.
"We want people to enjoy it in its entirety, making sure they save room for the homemade dolci. Lupa is the kind of place we've always wanted to have on our doorstep. There are certain Roman dishes that people know but much is still largely to be discovered."
Written by ABi Kinsella
