A Hot Dinners exclusive
Almost a year ago we brought you the news that the Big Mamma group (Circolo Popolare, Gloria, Carlotta et al) were setting their sights on Canary Wharf. Now we've got the scoop on exactly what they have planned for their restaurant there.
Barbarella is going to be a retro-inspired self-styled "wild and jungle-themed city pad". It's taken over the old All Bar One site in the YY building on the South Colonnade, which was a big old space anyway. But they've also expanded upwards, taking over the first floor, which is going to house their 70s-style chrome lounge and open kitchen. In total, there's going to be room for 225 diners.
We're told the theme is inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema in the 70s. So think massive mirrored glass bar, vintage Ferragamo silks everywhere and even an ice-cream terrace.
The all-Italian menu, presided over by head chef Marco Rastelli, will serve up Roman-style, extra-thin pizza along with dishes that include:
- Italian tomato tatin with Parmigiano cream
- One-metre long spaghettone
- 1.2kg T-bone from Cornwall's Phillip Warren
The bar upstairs will offer the group's biggest cocktail menu to date, with pistachio espresso martinis alongside a range of vintage Italian wines. And outside, on the waterfront terrace, they'll also have a special gelato menu, which sounds perfect for the summer.
This has hit written all over it.
More about Barbarella
Where is it? YY Building, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HX
When does it open? June 2025
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @bigmamma.uk
Subscribe to be the first to get the news from Hot Dinners
