Jay Morjaria to open Mamma Pastrama in central London

Called Mamma Pastrama, it is being co-founded by chef Jay Morjaria in partnership with managing director Tessa Whitehead along with Stephen Finch, founder of Vagabond Wines; and Kieran Sherlock, director of sector investor Imbiba.

The restaurant will use a secret curing process and proprietary spices and rub to create a pastrami that nods to tradition while embracing the future, according to its owners. It will serve both traditional and modern reinterpretations of classic pastrami-based sandwiches, as well as some Mamma Pastrami originals such as the pastrami and kimchee toastie.

Morjaria, who appeared on BBC2’s Million Pound Menu programme as a winning contestant, was recently also shortlisted as a Chef to Watch in this year’s Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards​​. Whitehead has 12 years’ experience at restaurant brands including Wagamama, Wahaca and, most recently, Vagabond. 

Mamma Pastrama will serve an all-day menu from breakfast to dinner, alongside a range of craft beers. 

The restaurant’s exact location is yet to be revealed but it is believed to be in central London.