Expanding the brand: Ottolenghi eyes up a new Fitzrovia site
The upmarket, Mediterranean-influenced brand has applied for a license at 59-65 Wells Street, which has yet to be accepted.
The company, which is known for its deli-shop-meets-café concept, is also listed as having pre-let a 4,500sq ft unit in the 55 Wells Street development on the developer’s website.
The new 34,000sq ft development, still under construction, is being designed by award-winning architect Buckley Gray Yeoman, and will feature terraces on the first and sixth floors as well as a shared rooftop terrace. It is set for completion by the end of 2017.
“Ottolenghi is considering various sites for future projects but nothing has been confirmed at this stage,” according to a spokesperson for the brand.
The chef currently operates four sites under his eponymous restaurant and deli concept, in Belgravia, Islington Notting Hill and Spitalfields, plus more high-end restaurant Nopi in Soho.
The Ottolenghi brand has become something of a training ground for upcoming talent, with a host of its former chefs having moved on to open solo ventures.
Ottolenghi alumni who have found success from solo projects include Itamar Srulovich (owner of Honey & Co), Oded Mizrachhi (owner of The Good Egg), Josh Katz (Berber & Q founder) and Louis Solley (owner of Jago).
Ramael Scully, former Nopi head chef, will open his first solo venture in early 2018 in London’s St James’ Market development.
