Il Bambini Club is an opulent new trattoria and bar at The Hoxton in Great Eastern Street, serving up great pizzas, fresh pasta, and to die for dolci.
The bar specialises in aperitivo and Italian cocktails reminiscent of the 1960s and will have weekly live music – all in an extravagant setting that the hotel is calling “playful”.
Taking over the ground floor space previously occupied by Hoxton Grill, the restaurant is run by Paris Society, the group behind legendary Parisian venues Maxims and Louie, and is only their second venture outside the French capital.
Expect the likes of truffled tagliatelle, veal Milanese, wood-fired pizzas and spritzes when it opens next month.
Opening on September 12, it’s led by chef Kenny Atkinson and located on the 25th floor of the hotel in Rivington Street, with 360 degree panoramic views across London, and two balconies available for private hire.
Atkinson, owner and Chef Patron at the one Michelin-starred Newcastle restaurants House of Tides and Solstice by Kenny Atkinson is inspired by the sun-drenched flavours of southern France and the Med which he will blend in seasonal dishes with a modern twist.
Drawing on the theme, the menu will feature flavour-led dishes that embody “sunshine on a plate” year round in a relaxed and informal setting.
Atkinson leads on the menu creation, while day to day kitchen operations will be overseen by Head Chef Nicola Losquadro.
Sharing and hero dishes include Tuna Carpaccio, Bouillabaisse with Lobster, Scallop Crudo with Heritage Tomatoes, Oven-Roasted Sole with capers, lemon and parsley, and Steak Tartare with Confit Yolk and Sourdough Toast.
To drink there will be cocktails that recall the spirit of the south of France, a zesty Orange Spritz, with Lillet Blanc Vermouth, Orange Marmalade, Citrus and Telmont Reserve Brut Champagne as well as the smoky and sophisticated Fleuille de Figuier Penicillin infused with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Fig Leaf Honey, Ginger, Ardbeg 10 and Citrus.
The wine list has a strong Mediterranean influence – from Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia as well as Italy, Spain, Portugal.
Design-wise the look is sleek contemporary industrial with dark floors, black leather and plush blue seating, floor-to-ceiling windows to flood the space with natural light, and a wall of backlit wine storage.
Kenny Atkinson, says: “Solaya is an exciting project for me as my first solo venture in London and a chance to bring something truly special to the city.
“I’ve always been drawn to the warmth and soul of Mediterranean cooking, and Solaya is about capturing that feeling – sunshine on a plate, bold flavours, and food that brings people together.
“The views from the 25th floor are spectacular, and I wanted the food and atmosphere to match that sense of occasion. It’s an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to welcome our first guests.”
Solaya will open on September 12 at art’otel Hoxton, 1-3 Rivington St.
