Inspired by classic Italian ‘Formica’ cafés of the 1950s, Market Café will serve rustic London-Italian food with a modern take on the ‘breakfast and Bolognese’ menu. It is split into a 60-cover dining room, a more informal 45-seated bar and café, with additional outdoor seating.
Warner, who initially founded the Benugo restaurant business with brother Ben in 1998, said: “Often dismissed as greasy spoons and with having poor relations to their continental counterparts, the working-class Formica cafés once lubricated and nourished a whole post-war generation of writers, artists, musicians and crime lords, and galvanized Britain’s cultural life.
“These places where ordinary people could afford to eat and experience what was, in its day, exotic food, the first espresso-based coffee and handmade ice-cream. We will know we are successful when the whole local community wants to eat and drink with us.”
On the menu
Dishes on the menu include Steak and Kidney Pudding for two, hand-cut Tagliatelles with Meat Sauces, Truffle Rarebit, Jam Doughnuts and Hot Chocolate, and home-made Hackney down’s Honey Ice Cream. The drinks list includes locally roasted coffee, craft beers, punches, cups, fizzes and a wine list.
The kitchen will be run by James Adams, who has previously worked at Canteen, fifteen and St. John and is focused on using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Market Café will open in March. For more information, visit www.market-cafe.co.uk.