Newsletter - 20th June 2025

Barbarella

When: Opening 20 June 2025

Where: YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, E14 5HX

BOOK: https://www.bigmammagroup.com/italian-restaurants/barbarella

Big Mamma Group has certainly made its mark on the London restaurant scene with five well-established opulent Italian trattorias that are the kind of places where you need to book in advance. It’s known for its retro interiors and plenty of Italian charm. Their new opening in Canary Wharf is set to be another playful addition. Described as an “Italian hideaway dripping in ‘70s glam, nestled among the urban wilderness,” diners eat beneath an opulent chandelier on the first floor and a vintage lounge alongside an open kitchen and waterside terrace. Headed by chef Marco Rastelli, they are offering Roman-style pizzas, an array of grilled steaks, creative cocktails (e.g., pistachio espresso martini), and creamy gelato made in-house. For existing fans, the funky Big Mamma cookbook is a joyful and witty love letter to food with both classic and experimental recipes that take under 30 minutes.

Rick Stein & Fortnum & Mason at The Royal Exchange

To celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Rick Stein’s The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall, he’s teamed up with Fortnum & Mason at the glamorous Royal Exchange to bring us some special seafood for a limited time this summer. Inspired by five decades of hospitality and fresh British produce, Rick’s menu celebrates dishes that have been on his menu over the years alongside modern creations including a rich bouillabaisse fish soup and grilled Cornish lobster. Guests can opt for a curated set menu or dine à la carte, with Rick’s dishes served alongside Executive Chef Julien Lancrume’s well-designed menu. If you’re really going for it, don’t forget to flag down Fortnum’s iconic caviar trolley which offers a choice of rare sturgeon varieties. The experience is available from 5 June – 5 August; click here to find out more about the experience or here to have a read about Rick’s story behind his flagship restaurant and relationship to the Fortnum & Mason brand.

Get Stuck In at The Jamie Oliver Cookery School

The new flagship location for Jamie Oliver’s cookery school opened in May and are inviting students to attend a lesson at their brand new school or relax and unwind at the café. Whether you fancy taking a break from shopping in the café or donning your apron and learning from the masters, this new location is the perfect foodie haven slap bang in the middle of central London. There’s over 40 classes to choose from so there’s something from everyone; classes include “A Taste of Sushi”, “Showstopping Ravioli”, and “Loving Veg: Plant-Based Cooking”. For fans of Jamie’s cookbooks, there are also lessons available based on some of his bestsellers. Kids learn for free (when accompanied with an adult) and all students work in pairs after following a chef’s guidance to create a range of dishes which are then eaten with drinks around the table. It’s a great gift or treat for yourself whether you’re starting out or finessing your skills. Have a browse of what’s on here.