The world’s largest Italian food market, complete with outdoor dining concept, Aperol Spritzeria and huge wine cellar, is to open in London
Lead image courtesy of Eataly
A 42,000 sq ft haven of Italian food – the largest in the world – is to finally open its doors in London.
Originally due to open earlier in the year but thwarted by the pandemic, Eataly – a fusion of the words EAT and ITALY – will launch in phases from 29 April 2021.
Located in the largely pedestrianised City neighbourhood of Broadgate, next to Liverpool Street station, Eataly London will first open the market and retail area, take-away eateries and brand-new alfresco dining concept, La Terrazza di Eataly.
La Terrazza will offer an exclusive Italian menu of sharing dishes and host an Aperol Spritzeria, offering cocktails, wine, beer and a touch of la dolce vita to the city.
Founded in Italy in 2007, Eataly was born from investor Oscar Farinetti’s idea to gather high-quality food at sustainable and reasonable prices, celebrate Italian biodiversity, and create an informal place to eat, shop and learn all under one roof.
‘Eataly was founded with a vision to bring the biodiversity, craft and different layers of culinary experiences of Italy together under one roof, under our motto of “Eat, Shop, Learn”,’ said Eataly CEO, Nicola Farinetti.
The Eataly London market will offer over 5,000 quality Italian and local food products, including fresh produce from the butcher, fishmonger and cured meat and cheese counters, with an online shop and delivery service available.
It will also be home to London’s biggest Italian wine cellar, offering more than 2,000 wine labels, plus a dedicated Via del Dolce (Sweet Spot) with freshly baked Italian cakes, pastry, cannoli and handmade gelato.
‘Eataly will also be home to London’s biggest Italian wine cellar, offering more than 2,000 wine labels’
A bulk refill section will add to London’s rapidly expanding collection of zero-waste shops.
While waiting for the green light on indoor hospitality, Eataly London’s ground floor will offer take-away options such as Roman-style pizza by the slice, fresh pasta, meals to go including paninis, focaccia and salads, plus coffee, pastries and a gelato bar.
On 20 May, once indoor dining restrictions are lifted, the Cucina del Mercato and Pasta e Pizza restaurants will open, as well as in-store bars, seating areas around the other eateries and Eataly’s renowned cookery school, La Scuola.
Come September, a fine dining destination called Terra will also open.
There are over 40 Eataly stores across 15 countries around the world, with Eataly London being the first one in the UK, creating more than 300 jobs.
135 Bishopsgate, Spitalfields EC2M 3YD; eataly.co.uk
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