ground floor restaurant with 87 covers will serve fresh, handmade pasta, antipasti, secondi and dolci from lunch through to dinner. The basement will see the second iteration of Bar Lina, Lina Stores’ aperitivo bar, which holds 52 guests. There will be regular DJ slots to boost Shoreditch’s vibrant nightlife.
Masha Rener, head chef of Lina Stores, said: “Very much like Soho, Shoreditch has a rich food history and the east end welcomed many Italian immigrants over the years.
“Combined with the stunning architecture of this former banking building, it really did confirm to us that Shoreditch is a perfect home for Lina Stores. We are very excited to also add Bar Lina to what is already a hugely vibrant bar scene.”
BUNSIK, CHINATOWN
Korean street food brand Bunsik is set to open its seventh location later this month.
From October 31, Bunsik, which launched in 2021, will have a base in Chinatown, with the full opening set for November 7.
There will be a series of special offers on, including 50 per cent off Bunsik’s iconic corn dogs for the first 100 customers as part of the soft launch on October 31 and November 1.
There will then be 50 per cent off Korean fried chicken on November 2-3 for the first 100 customers, before the same half price deal on cup bap bowls from November 4-6.
Bunsik founder Jae Cho said: “Opening in Chinatown is a significant milestone for us. The area’s cultural vibrancy is the perfect setting to showcase our evolving brand and menu."
NIPOTINA, MAYFAIR
New neighbourhood Italian restaurant Nipotina is set to open its doors in Mayfair early next month.
Restaurateur Samyukta Nair, who previously worked with Claude Bosi, and Turin-born chef Somaia Hammad will be in operation from November 4 on South Audley Street.
The menu at Nipotina, which means ‘granddaughter’ in Italian, will blend Samyukta and Somaia’s cultural traditions to create nostalgic dishes with family at the core, with simple, seasonal produce.
Wine maestro Luca Dusi is also part of the team, curating an all-Italian wine list.
Nipotina will be home to wood-fired seafood and meats, handcrafted pasta, crisp Northern Italian pizzas and classic cocktails.
It will be open early each morning for breakfast, before long lunches, apertivo and late dinners.
Samyukta said: “On meeting Somaia I was inspired by her love for family, passion for food and drive for wanting to create something of her own. Much like myself, she was also celebrating that special bond between grandmothers and granddaughters, and cherished family traditions being passed down, yet made your own.
“While Nipotina is set against the backdrop of a contemporary Italian ristorante on a cornerstone of Mayfair, we are nothing but a humble family business at heart.”
