The neighbourhood-style restaurant was originally planned to open on the site of Mascarenhas’ former Cantinetta restaurant in Lower Richmond Road, in partnership with chef Theo Randall.
But that partnership is no longer going ahead, and Mascarenhas will instead open Bibo on Upper Richmond Road in March with chef Chris Beverley – who worked with Randall at the InterContinental for three years – taking the helm.
“I have lived in the Barnes/Putney area for nearly 30 years, and have marvelled how the neighbourhood has flourished with great bars, shops and residents,” said Mascarenhas. “This part of Putney is especially buzzy, and we expect that Chris Beverley’s modern Italian food will hit just the right note.”
The 70-cover restaurant, which is currently being refurbished after Wallace’s departure last month, will be overseen by general manager Amy Boden, who comes in from Pollen Street Social.
On the menu
Beverley has drawn up modern Italian menus with dishes such as farro arancini; fritto misto of squid, prawns and zucchini; and pappardelle with rabbit and Prosecco ragù. Prices for antipasti will range from £4-£7.50; primi from £7.50-£9; secondi from £15-£19, and dolci from £6-£6.50.
Food writer and wine specialist Zeren Wilson will be responsible for the wines and has assembled a 60-bin all-Italian list with prices starting at £17.50.
The restaurant’s interior design will feature warm, hand-blown glass lighting, encaustic tiling and solid oak table tops set against whitewashed brick and stripped timber floors.
MasterChef judge Wallace was forced to close his Wallace & Co restaurant and sell its parent company Wallace Cafes in January.
Hide & Seed
Meanwhile, Putney will welcome another new restaurant and bar next month in the form of ‘Hide & Seed’ – a modern restaurant with Portuguese influences situated in boutique hotel The Lodge on Upper Richmond Road.
The 30-cover restaurant will be overseen by head chef Ricardo Soares, with dishes including langoustine, coffee-poached brill, bread broth and coriander; and 22-hour cooked pig’s head with smoked pepper jam, crispy pigs ear and pea.
It will be split into two distinct areas: The Library - a 12-cover dining room with a warm and intimate atmosphere; and The Lounge – an 18-cover restaurant with large tables, comfortable seating and a calm and friendly feel.
Hide & Seed will also feature a curved granite bar, offering ‘garden-fresh’ cocktails and a wine list selected by Hide & Seed’s owner Ben Hirschfeld.
Bibo will open on 146 Upper Richmond Road in Putney on 6 March.
Hide & Seed will open at The Lodge Hotel at 52-54 Upper Richmond Road in early March.