Big Mamma to open third London restaurant

They lured us in with Gloria – a middle finger to Shoreditch’s pared-back, small plate-led dining scene with its lavish interiors, pumping beats and decadent dishes. Then they dazzled us with Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia’s homage to the grandest of Italian trattorias complete with twinkling fairy lights, foliage-smothered walls and an unstoppable flow of rustic, colourful crockery overflowing with extravagant delights. Now, Big Mamma restaurant group is opening a third London restaurant in buzzy Covent Garden.

Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, the founders of the French restaurant group, are yet to announce an opening date – or even a name – for their latest venture, but according to Big Hospitality, plans were submitted to Westminster City Council last October to merge two buildings in the West End to create what will be a 227-cover restaurant, split over two floors.

Circolo Popolare

Plans have since been stalled because of the Covid-19 outbreak and it’s now thought the restaurant group is waiting to assess how trading fares at its current London outposts before announcing further details for what is sure to be their next showstopper.

If and when the new restaurant arrives, expect oh-so-worth-it queues, Big Mamma’s signature flair, a truly special-occasion atmosphere and a delectable menu. Here's hoping the now-famous pecorino wheel-spun carbonara and towering slices of lemon meringue pie both make guest appearances.