Called Lita, it has been conceptualised by Irish chef Luke Ahearne, formerly head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair, who will lead the kitchen and serve a produce-driven, seasonal menu of southern Mediterranean food.
The restaurant takes its name from a shortened version of ‘abuelita’, an affectionate Spanish word for grandma, and will have an open layout with an exposed kitchen open fire grill, which is described as being ‘reminiscent of a grand chateau kitchen’.
Opening in early March on Marylebone’s Paddington Street, it will have space for 80 covers inside and an additional 20 seats on its front terrace.
Ahearne’s produce-driven menu will pay tribute to the tastes of southern Europe and will feature a regularly changing menu of sharing plates.
The accompanying wine list will have a selection ranging from small, biodynamic producers to those from well-established European wineries.
Hailing from Clonmel Co Tipperary in Ireland, Ahearne began his cheffing career at MacNean’s House & Restaurant in Cavan and has worked at Garrett Byrne’s Campagne restaurant in Kilkenny, The Clove Club in Shoreditch and its sister restaurant Luca. He became head chef at Corrigan’s Mayfair at just 29 years old.