Bibo will open in September following a complete refurbishment of the Cantinetta site, which is now closed.The new-look, neighbourhood-style restaurant will seat 80 inside, with a redesigned outside terrace holding a further 60 customers and a separate bar area with space for an extra 20.
Mascarenhas, who has been an instrumental partner in some of London's leading neighbourhood restaurants- Sonny's Kitchen, Kitchen W8, Sam's Brasserie and Harrison’s – told BigHospitality that she was swayed by the appeal of another business partnership for this latest venture.
Successful partnerships
“I’ve known Theo Randall for a very long time and I admire him hugely,” she said. “My other business partnerships with Phil Howardand Sam Harrison are so successful and such a pleasure that I want all my businesses to be partnerships with people I admire.
“I’ve done it on my own for 30 years and I’ve worked incredibly hard – I don’t want to do anything on my own anymore. I’ve got many more projects bubbling under, some of which generate no money and operate on a charitable basis - I’d like to spend some more time on those as well.”
“I’m in a really fortunate position, I have no shareholders so everything I do now I can grow on an organic basis.”
The menus at Bibo are being drawn up by Randall, who remains chef-patron of Theo Randall at the InterContinental in Mayfair.The restaurant will also have a new head chef, manager and front and back-of-house staff.
Speaking of the price point, Mascarenhas said that Bibo will appeal to both ends of the market. “I like restaurants that have a broad range of prices, so you won’t have to come in and spend £50. We want people to come here and be happy at either end of the spectrum.”
Bibo Italian restaurant will open on 162-164 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, in September.