Arjun and Peter Waney are the brains behind Zuma, Roka and La Petite Maison - now they're opening up Banca in the heart of Mayfair with the help of Giuliano Lotto - who's behind Aurelia and Il Baretto. A super-glamorous Italian restaurant, it'll focus on Northern Italian dishes. The dining room will seat between 80 and 100 and there's also a pavement terrace with room for 16 diners.
In charge of the food are Executive Chef Marzio Zacchi who opened Il Baretto and Head Chef Gabriele Milani who most recently was the sous chef at Galvin at Windows. On the menu you can expect to see dishes like baked Sea Scallops with spicy Calabria N’duja and Saffron Risotto "al salto" gratinee with Asiago cheese.
We like the sound of the bar menu where you can eat - standing up if you like - dishes like Terrine of Rabbit, foie-gras and ham and brandade of Cod with pate of Taggiasca Olives and toast.
As you might imagine from the people backing it - and the Mayfair location - the look will be pretty luxe. It's a former bank, so there's already high ceilings and an amazing marble floor. The designers are TP Bennett who were behind the Chancery Court hotel.
Banca opens on Monday 9 July at 30 North Audley Street, London, W1K 6HF this month. Reservations are on 020 7647 2525.
