‘Pub with wines’ to open in Spitalfields

Alfi is the brainchild of Ben Hodges and Alex Lewis, who have a combined experience of 21 years in hospitality.  

A former Leon, the space is described as simple, convivial and relaxing. The ‘pub’ part opens in early December and will offer low intervention, mostly biodynamic wines from small, organic farms across Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Germany.   

The bar will also offer small bar plates such as grilled courgette, goat’s cheese and fried basil; and charred Charlotte potatoes with chive crème fraîche.

In early February comes the restaurant, which will be helmed by chef Lorenzo Brigandi, whose CV includes the Hind’s Head in Bray, The Waterside Inn, Restaurant Story, Nobu and Coya. 

Primarily using a lava stone robata grill, he will bring together his ‘love of elevated cooking techniques alongside traditional British and European plates’ many of which will feature ‘a heavy accent on his native Italian cooking’.   

There will be 10 wines on tap from Modal wines and Uncharted with a 40-strong bottle wine list in the bar growing to 100+ when the restaurant opens in February.  

“We’re really enjoying turning the wine to beer tap ratio on its head by offering some really great wines in a more casual way,” Hodges says.

“I love Lorenzo’s food and think the area will be all the richer for it. The bar food is just lovely - and the restaurant will be even better.” 

Lewis added: “We are really excited about bringing something different to Spitalfields - and London – somewhere which provides some top-quality wine and food while being a convivial place to meet and hang out.”

The bar will seat 68 people, with 108 outside overlooking the bustling market. When it opens, the restaurant will have 54 covers and another 38 for al fresco dining.