They are already one of the nation’s most successful independent restaurant brands, with their award-winning contemporary Italian eateries attracting legions of followers, not only across the UK but globally too. Now the San Carlo group is celebrating another highly anticipated opening as it launches a stylish new concept in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and popular neighbourhoods, St Christopher’s Place.
Taking up residence this August and just a stone’s throw from London’s Selfridges, the 220 cover Isola by San Carlo Italian brasserie and bar will offer relaxed all day outdoor and indoor dining from breakfast through to dinner. Taking inspiration from the islands of Italy, Isola by San Carlo will offer all the menu classics and some with a twist on the islands, from Sardinian lamb and porchetta to Sicilian red prawns, swordfish and tuna, along with ever-popular San Carlo signature dishes such as tagliolini lobster.
True Sicilian foodies should make a beeline for breakfast at Isola, which will feature classic choices along with the families’ favourite granita di limone with brioche. Incredible food deserves equally impressive surroundings and Isola’s spaces inside and out have been months in design and creation. The interiors and exterior draw on the San Carlo family’s Italian heritage, with a colour palette inspired by some of Sicily’s most famous exports, including lemons, pistachios and prickly pears.
The 50-cover alfresco terrace and façade have been designed to be reminiscent of a grand Sicilian home and include a raised terrace that wraps around the building’s perimeter, similar in style to those found all over Sicily. Bedecked with verdant foliage and florals, diners can enjoy an Italian garden alfresco dining experience, whilst watching the world go by along the charming pedestrianised streets.
Inside, guests enter the marble and brass detailed feature bar into the dining area which has impressive views out onto the terrace and St Christopher’s Place itself and the kitchen counter which features a large shell-inspired fish and seafood display along with bespoke coral leather and rattan chairs. In the lower ground dining area, mirrors and artworks accentuate the space along with yellow panelling detail and green, white and coral marble floors. A focal point is the stunning corner bar that features a commissioned mural by acclaimed artist Jessalyn Brooks.
Said Managing Director, Marcello Distefano: “After a very difficult 18 months in hospitality it’s great to be looking forward to a new opening in such a prime location with fantastic traffic-free outdoor dining space just 2 minutes from Bond Street Station and Oxford Street. This project has been a lot of fun especially as we have evolved from what we have done previously. Isola has been inspired by our childhood memories of Ragusa in Sicily, the birthplace of my father and our Chairman, Carlo Distefano. It will be an elegant yet informal space, the menu will be simple, offering some of our classics with a twist on the islands but as usual using the best ingredients from producers in Italy. It’s been our most exciting project in years and we can’t wait to open in August.”
Simon Donaldson, General Manager at St Christopher’s Place stated: “We are delighted to welcome Isola by San Carlo to St Christopher’s Place later this summer. One of the most exciting new restaurant openings in the West End this year, this will further enhance our reputation as an amazing destination for incredible alfresco and indoor dining”.