Called Mamma Pastrama, it is being co-founded by chef Jay Morjaria in partnership with managing director Tessa Whitehead along with Stephen Finch, founder of Vagabond Wines; and Kieran Sherlock, director of sector investor Imbiba.
The restaurant will use a secret curing process and proprietary spices and rub to create a pastrami that nods to tradition while embracing the future, according to its owners. It will serve both traditional and modern reinterpretations of classic pastrami-based sandwiches, as well as some Mamma Pastrami originals such as the pastrami and kimchee toastie.
Morjaria, who appeared on BBC2’s Million Pound Menu programme as a winning contestant, was recently also shortlisted as a Chef to Watch in this year’s Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards. Whitehead has 12 years’ experience at restaurant brands including Wagamama, Wahaca and, most recently, Vagabond.
Mamma Pastrama will serve an all-day menu from breakfast to dinner, alongside a range of craft beers.
The restaurant’s exact location is yet to be revealed but it is believed to be in central London.