Franco’s has unveiled a redesigned entrance bar by Conrad Alexander Design.
The space serves morning coffee, lunch, aperitivo from 6pm and evening cocktails.
Head Chef Stefano Turconi’s bar menu includes lobster rolls and Cornish tuna tartare.
The St James’s institution adds a fresh chapter with morning coffee, Italian aperitivo and cocktails.
The capital has no shortage of new bars, but this arrival comes with eight decades of history. Franco’s is an Italian restaurant in London that has called Jermyn Street home since 1945, and it has recently unveiled a redesigned bar at its entrance, giving visitors another reason to pull up a seat.
Created by Conrad Alexander Design, the space follows the changing pace of the day. Mornings begin with coffee, before lunch gives way to aperitivo from 6pm and cocktails later in the evening. For anyone spending the day around St James’s, there is now an additional incentive to linger at this longstanding address.
Food remains central to the experience at Franco’s in London. Head Chef Stefano Turconi has developed a bar menu that suits both a quick bite and a longer visit over drinks. A lobster roll pairs the shellfish with pickled fennel and basil mayonnaise, while sea urchin on toast comes with avocado and lime. Cornish tuna tartare takes a different direction, combining burrata cream, tomato and Tropea onion.
Those settling in for a fuller meal can explore the à la carte menu. Potato gnocchi is served with porcini mushrooms, Tuscan cabbage and truffled pecorino, a combination with clear autumnal appeal. Roasted venison loin continues that seasonal thread, accompanied by celeriac purée, Scottish girolles, blackberry and juniper jus.
The cocktail selection takes its cue from Italy’s aperitivo culture. Zest combines limoncello, citrus vodka, lemon and mint, while Tarts and Flowers features vodka and amaretto alongside maraschino cherry and roasted almond. The Apple Sour Spritz adds a sparkling option, mixing apple whiskey, lemon and Prosecco. Head Sommelier Paolo Pellegrino oversees the wine list, offering another route through an afternoon or evening at the bar.
Jason Phillips, Director at Wiltons Holdings, said: “Franco’s has always evolved thoughtfully while remaining true to its heritage. The new bar represents the next chapter in that journey, creating a destination guests can enjoy throughout the day while preserving everything that has made Franco’s one of London’s most loved Italian restaurants for generations.“
Where: Franco’s, 61 Jermyn Street, St James, London, SW1Y 6LX
Contact: https://francoslondon.com