Italian restaurant group Carluccio's is planning to open 10 new restaurants in 2012, the first of which will be on Paddington Street, London, in February.
Previously Colony Restaurant and Bar, the site will house a restaurant, food shop and delicatessen. It will seat 88 diners inside and an additional 20 for alfresco dining.
The restaurant will include Carluccio's new bar format, the aperitivo bar. The concept - launched in the Smithfield branch this year - targets the evening drinking and snacking trade. Guests are able to pull up a stool and sample the Venetian-style tasting dishes as well as cocktails, Peroni on draught and prosecco.
While keeping the traditional double-fronted shop front, Carluccio's will add vintage restored furniture pieces. A butcher's block will serve as the fresh retail table and refurbished dressers will display branded products.
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By James Stagg
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