Acclaimed chef Luke Ahearne announces upcoming opening of Motorino restaurant in London
Renowned chef Luke Ahearne is teaming up with fellow culinary expert Stevie Parle to launch a new restaurant, Motorino, in London's Fitzrovia this October. Located at 1 Pearson Square, the site formerly housed The Arber Garden and will now accommodate a 150-cover restaurant focused on an innovative "London-Italian" dining experience.
Motorino is set to highlight the best of seasonal ingredients sourced from Parle’s trusted network of suppliers, farms, and partners in the UK and Ireland. While specific menu details remain under wraps, Ahearne and Parle have promised to deliver "an exciting, ambitious restaurant with fun at its core, and without compromising on quality and inventiveness."
Ahearne, best known for his tenure as head chef at the acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant Lita in Marylebone, brings significant expertise to the project. Under his leadership, Lita earned a Michelin star in under a year. Reflecting on his new venture, Ahearne said, "Opening Motorino with Stevie is a chance to create something new, bold and exciting in central London. For us it’s all about celebrating great produce, cooking with joy, and bringing my perspective on Italian food to Fitzrovia."
Stevie Parle, who is also behind the popular pasta-focused brand Pastaio and recently debuted the Covent Garden restaurant Town, expressed his confidence in Ahearne’s skills. "Luke is a fantastic young chef, passionate about produce, obsessed by quality and consistency, and together we want to create something really special. We’re determined to open the best London-Italian we can", said Parle.
The new restaurant will also feature a bar program overseen by Kevin Armstrong, widely celebrated for his work at Satan’s Whiskers, one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Motorino’s bar menu is expected to include seasonal spritzes on tap and an array of quick-serve martinis, adding to the lively and inventive atmosphere the restaurant aims to deliver.
With a focus on high-quality ingredients, creative dishes, and a vibrant ambiance, Motorino is poised to be a significant addition to London’s ever-evolving dining scene. Fans of both Ahearne and Parle can look forward to a unique culinary experience that celebrates the duo’s shared passion for exceptional cuisine.