Updated 8/5/18 with opening date
What: Bright
In a nutshell: P Franco open their first restaurant
Summing it all up: The much-loved Clapton wine bar always did well when it came to food and now they're going one step further opening their first full restaurant in Netil House where Ellory used to be.
The low-down
London's worst-kept foodie secret P Franco - the wine bar and shop that punches WAY above its weight when it comes to food - is opening its first restaurant. They'll be taking over the space just recently vacated by Ellory, who are in turn moving to open Leroy in Shoreditch.
Bright will feature chefs William Gleave and Peppe Belvedere in the kitchen with Phil Bracey sorting out the drinks side of things. "Expect the same level of service I've managed to avoid at P Franco," he joked in a post on Instagram.
Gleave was one of the first chefs whose residency propelled the Clapton wine bar properly into the London food scene. Hailing from the well respected Tasmanian restaurant Garagistes, his work on just two induction hobs at the back of a tiny room was nothing short of remarkable (read our Test Drive here). Belvedere also did a stint at the induction hobs in August last year - he was previously head chef at Brawn.
On the food, we're told, "a charcoal grill will provide the kitchen's foundation and the first question will always be what is available, with the menu varying day to day based on what we can source from our friends on the farm, at the dairy and out at sea."
What's clear is that without the physical limitations of the kitchen space at P.Franco they'll have more room to work with whole fish, birds and larger cuts. But fresh pasta will "remain a both a passion and focus."
As for the wine list - we'll be expecting that to be pretty amazing too. Phil says his list will draw from the cellars of both P.Franco and their wine shop on Broadway Market, Noble Fine Liquor. There'll always be a rotating cast of interesting wines by the glass. And we love the fact that their house wine really is made in house - it'll be a rosado Phil and co-owner Liam Kelleher made in the hills of Catalunya last year.
As for the space itself, the bar will have room for around 20 walk-ins - perfect if you're not good at planning - and the tables at the back, looked over by the open kitchen can be booked, so that's around 30 seats.
"We want people to feel as comfortable dropping in for a quick glass of wine or a bowl of pasta at the bar as they would booking a table for a special occasion," says Phil, "and really getting stuck into the menu and the cellar."
More about Bright
Where is it?1 Westgate Street, London E8 3RL
When does it open? 9 May 2018 (hopefully!). Initially they'll be open Wed-Sun evenings and Sat-Sun for lunch.
How to book: Booking will be via their website.
Find out more: On their website or follow them on Instagram @bright_restaurant/
Photograph of William and Peppe by Ben McMahon/Eater London
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