A popular Italian restaurant with branches across Central London has shut suddenly amid a number of “challenges”. Officina 00 bid farewell to Fitzrovia, Old Street and Covent Garden overnight, with co-owner Elia Sebregondi confirming the sad news on Wednesday, June 25.
The chef, who also ran pasta making workshops, said he is now taking time to ‘process the loss’. A statement posted on social media reads: “I have done everything in my power to overcome the many challenges faced in the last few months, but despite all efforts I have been forced to close down.
I would like to thank our team for their dedication and hard work, as well as our beloved customers, thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your support and for embracing my food with such warmth. Your love gave meaning to every dish I created. Cooking has always been my greatest passion, and sharing it with you has been the most rewarding part of this journey.”
The Naples native went on to ensure followers that his passion is “very much” alive and will continue to ‘create, dream and bring new ideas to life’. He set up Officina 00 alongside childhood friend Enzo Mirto in 2019, following years working in the likes of Kiln, Bone Daddies and Soho House.
They set about devising a ‘flour-led’ concept, complete with fresh sourdough, pastries. This soon evolved into a menu of regional dishes and drinks, including fried ravioli and house-made limoncello.
The newest of the pair’s three sit-down spots, on Dryden Street in the West End, also boasted a pasta lab, where diners could watch their dinner be made from scratch. News of the restaurants’ closure has left many people heartbroken, with some claiming Officina 00 was the greatest place for Italian food in the capital.
One disappointed fan said: “So sad to see this! Absolutely loved your food- hopefully something better is round the corner.”
Another added: “I can’t believe this. I was just speaking to someone about how great your pasta was earlier this week,” with a third writing: “One of, if not THE best Italian in London. I’m gonna miss that mushroom dish and the lasagne bites. Such a big loss.”
It’s estimated the UK will see a net loss of around 3,000 hospitality venues by the end of 2025, according to figures from the Hospitality Market Monitor published by industry experts CGA by NIQ and AlixPartners. Just last week, a busy Camden restaurant announced it will close in a matter of days due to rising costs, whilst Margot, an Italian spot lauded by Michelin, shut over the weekend as a result of poor trading conditions.
Has a popular restaurant or pub near you closed suddenly or unexpectedly? Let me know via [email protected].
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