Mediterranean restaurant opening in former Senor Ceviche site in Fitzrovia

A new concept that brings food and wine from the borders of the Mediterranean Sea will open on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street later this year.

Restaurant Property acted for Athens-born Jenny Pagoni in securing the prime site for Ampeli.

Expected to launch in December, it will focus on Greek food whilst exploring food from the wider East Mediterranean region including Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Israel.

The drinks list will be solely Greek, reflecting Pagoni’s passion and knowledge.

Tiring of the search for a place to experience food and drink like she and her friends had at home, Pagoni decided to create her own wine restaurant.

Its Head Chef Oren Goldfeld has extensive experience in Middle Eastern cooking having worked across Israel and mostly recently in the UK for Yotam Ottolenghi at Nopi, Neil Rankin, and the Brother Marcus Group.

Ampeli is a Greek word meaning simply vineyard.

It will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Food will be healthy, sustainable, organic and local where possible.

Gabriella Sether, surveyor at Restaurant Property, who acted for Jenny, said: “I am delighted that I have been able to help Ampeli secure their first site in such a perfectly fitting location. Charlotte Street is the leisure hub of Fitzrovia especially with Facebook headquarters nearby and Ampeli will be a great new addition.”

The site is 1,347 sq ft and comes with a rent of £110,000 per annum with a lease on assignment from Senor Ceviche that runs until 2032.

The a la carte menu will be divided into small plates, there will be a traditional meat, fish and grill section, and a social section where guests are encouraged to “share the course, not the plate”.

Lunch will offer similar dishes across a weekly changing fixed two and three course menu created to offer variety and convenience to residents and those working in the area.

Brunch at Ampeli will include homemade bread, pastries, tsoureki, fruit bread, diples, simit, yogurt and egg dishes to name just a few.

Nick Gross of hospitality consultancy LanburyHundred continues to act as Pagoni’s consultant on the project.

Shelley Sandzer acted for the seller (Senor Ceviche) on the deal.