Ancient Roman-inspired restaurant Roma to open in east London

The venue, on the site of the former Harpers City restaurant at 14 New London Street, has been extensively refurbished with a design inspired by ancient Rome, aiming to provide an opulent atmosphere including gold touches, mosaic-style artwork, and banquette seating.

Head chef Arturs Gorjunovs, whose career has spanned roles in restaurants across Italy, Latvia, and the UK, has created a seasonal menu using locally-sourced meat and fruit.

Food – including cuts of meat and homemade dishes such as tapenade ‒ will be cooked using what are said to be traditional Roman techniques, including cooking meat with hay.

The wine list will encompass choices from across the old Roman Empire, include vintages from Italy, France, Macedonia and Spain – with some said to be from vineyards that have been traced back to Roman times.

General manager will be Pauline Dubord, who has extensive hospitality experience in London restaurants as well as on cruise ships.