All-day casual dining Italian restaurant Vivo to open in Islington
Brothers Will and Ben Thompson are leaving their office jobs behind them to open a new Italian restaurant and bakery in Islington, North London.
Inspired by the brothers' travels, Vivo in Upper Street will provide all-day casual dining for 50 on the ground floor and 35 on the roof terrace.
Dishes will include freshly baked ciabatta and focaccia, torte rustica (Italian savoury pies), slices of Roman pizza "al taglio", salads, speciality cheese and meat boards. Heartier dishes such as lasagne and cannelloni will also be available, alongside a selection of Italian desserts such as gianduja chocolate tart with raspberry puree. Pictured here is a ricotta savoury tart with courgettes, pumpkin and sundried tomato.
A 14m granite counter, with a separate drinks bar serving a selection of Italian wines and beers, will provide a focal point to the restaurant. The interior will feature timber panels, dark granite surfaces, Rossendale stone walls and a combination of oak and York stone flooring.
Will Thompson said that the Vivo concept had developed from his and his brother's love of Italian cuisine. "We have travelled extensively throughout Italy, discovering unique regional dishes served in traditional ‘gastronomia', high-end bakeries and pasticceria in the cosmopolitan, style conscious cities of Milan, Turin and Rome".
Will previously worked in marketing for a hotel and property business, while Ben worked in investment.
Vivo, which means lively, vibrant our soulful, will open in September.
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