A culinary homage to calabria and the mezzogiorno
Born and raised in Calabria, Chef Francesco Mazzei is widely recognized as one of the most influential Italian chefs in the UK. His culinary philosophy draws directly from his native land—a region celebrated for its bold, honest flavours, from fiery chillies and ’nduja to fragrant bergamot.
Mazzei’s approach is simple yet sophisticated, rooted in family traditions and a shared belief in warm hospitality. This ethos aligns seamlessly with Corinthia, a proudly family-owned brand built on bringing people together around the table.
“Opening Mezzogiorno is about sharing the way we eat in Italy,” says Chef Francesco Mazzei. “It’s generous, it’s lively, just like the South. I want people to sit down, eat, drink, laugh, and feel like they’re part of my family”.
Menu: bridging italian classics with british seasonality
The menu takes guests on a journey across Italy’s rich culinary landscape, innovating beloved regional flavours while committing to sustainability. Crucially, 70% of the menu utilizes seasonal British ingredients, including Scottish seafood, Westcombe ricotta, and Welsh lamb.
Highlights from the menu include:
- Scottish Crab with Tuscan Panzanella
- Umbrian White Truffle Tortelli
- The Four Pastas of Rome (Cacio e Pepe, Gricia, Carbonara, and Amatriciana)
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Mazzei’s famous Massive Marsala Tiramisu.
Guests can also anticipate a dedicated White Truffle menu, an Italian-led wine list, and a lively bar serving aperitivi and cocktails created tableside.
Baroque-inspired design and immersive ambiance
The space has been dramatically reimagined by award-winning design studio, Afroditi. Drawing inspiration from Southern Italy’s stonewashed glamour, Mezzogiorno is designed to be both opulent and welcoming. The soaring, eight-metre-high space features a tactile palette of warm terracotta, pinks, and stone, layered with rich greenery and hand-painted stucco.
The ambiance transitions effortlessly from sun-drenched summer nostalgia by day—highlighted by green-veined Italian marble and oak parquetry—to a romantic, transportive setting by night, illuminated by flickering candlelight and dreamy, custom-made Murano chandeliers.
The sensory dining experience begins the moment guests enter through the kitchen, passing lively counters where the chefs are at work before stepping into the rustic yet refined dining area.
A new chapter in Corinthia's culinary story
The opening of Mezzogiorno solidifies Corinthia London’s status as a leading culinary destination in the capital, joining acclaimed concepts such as Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, and the cocktail expertise of Salvatore Calabrese at Velvet.
“We wanted to work with Francesco Mazzei to create something joyful, vibrant, and rooted in family traditions; something that resonates deeply with us as a proudly family-owned hotel,” adds Charlotte Weatherall, Corinthia London’s General Manager. “We are delighted to welcome him as a new Chef Partner and look forward to guests experiencing the warmth of his Calabrian hospitality here in the heart of London”.
Article source : https://www.corinthia.com/en-gb/latest-news/restaurant-opening/
