What: Sorella
In a nutshell: Classic coastal Italian food
Summing it all up: It's farewell to The Manor and hello to Sorella, a new Italian restaurant from The Dairy group that'll be springing up in its place. Inside, expect loads of food inspired by the sundrenched Amalfi coast, where chef Robin Gill spent considerable time learning the culinary ropes.
The low-down
If you're a fan of Clapham's The Manor, then get ready for a big change. It's about to get an Italian facelift when Robin Gill transforms it into Sorella, with Dean Parker in charge.
On the menu, there'll be lots and lots of suitably sundrenched dishes inspired by Robin's time on the Amalfi coast, with plenty of interesting dishes that we like the sound of (see: fennel gelato.)
"My time spent working in Campania in southern Italy has probably had the biggest impression on my approach to cooking," Robin said. "Sorella will hone in on all that we love about the Italian attitude to cooking and eating."
For nibbles, there'll be plenty of apertivo-friendly options, including cicchetti and antipasti with fried olives, crispy anchovies and truffle arancini.
Then, more substantial dishes will include:
- "Julie Girl” cuttlefish linguine
- Cep gnocchi with girolles
- Seasonal ragù starting with venison pappardelle
- Pump Street chocolate with fennel gelato
- Rrozen affogato with homemade coffee liquor
For mains, you'll also be able to have your pick of rare breeds and daily changing fish sourced from Kernowsashimi.
On the drinks menu, we've been told about seasonal bellinis, cherry smoked negronis, a fresh-sounding bergamot Garibaldi and a house spritz, so Italian classics, but with a bit of a twist. The main focus for the bar will be on their stash of homemade liquors, including a homemade sweet vermouth we'd be very interested in trying. As for wine, we've been told "the wine list will be small, concise and purely Italian."
The revamp will be happening over the festive period, closing its doors on 1 January, then reopening again at the end of the month.
More about Sorella
Where is it? 148 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6BX
When does it open? 20 January 2018
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @sorellaclapham
