Since opening in London’s Islington area last September, Vivo has received exceptional feedback and even reached the early nomination stages of the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards.
The Italian bakery-café-bar combination was initially nominated for its design – undertaken by architect Chris Martel with main contractors Fairland Contractors – and although it didn’t make the shortlist it was still a fantastic project.
Fairland Contractors is one of the UK’s leading specialists in public house and leisure refurbishments and has been in operation for over 20 years.
Speaking to Premier Hospitality about the awards nomination, Alex Sutherland from Fairland Contractors said:
“It was nice to receive recognition for our work, we were very involved in Vivo as a project and there were a few difficulties as can be expected with any major renovation. We put a lot of hard work in to the project so it’s quite rewarding for us to receive some credit in terms of the awards. Bill, Will & Ben Thompson were a pleasure to work with and that we wish them all the success in the future”
The design is based around the idea of casual all day dining and is made up of natural colours and materials; tables are topped with white granite upon oak legs and flooring, surrounded by high chairs coated in tan coloured leather in the indoor area, whilst up on the roof terrace chairs are made of metal. Walls are made of piled white rocks, large tiles and oak. Plain walls are coated in bright white; it’s light, contemporary and minimalist.
Alex Sutherland added:
“An interesting feature of the design is the rustic, split oak wall behind the granite food counter. The wood was actually sourced from a company in France, who split it and sent it over for Vivo; it’s unique and fits well with the other pieces.”
Vivo; a family run business set up after many loved family holidays to Italy, offers all day dining with a menu consisting of food, drink and coffee all of which are showcased along a 14 meter granite food counter display, available to eat in or take away all at competitive prices.
Will Thompson, Director/Owner of Vivo said:
“Our 14 meter long granite foods counter showcases a range of freshly prepared dishes, all made on the premises using carefully sourced ingredients. The bar serves quality Neapolitan coffee and a fascinating selection of Italian wines and spirits.”
The food menu boasts Pizza, Focaccia, Soup, Salad, Hot Specialities, Desserts, Biscotti, Breakfasts and Bread. A passion for regional Italian cuisine, along with the desire to add verve to the casual dining scene, inspired Vivo to create an extensive offering for those who wish to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Baked goods are created incorporating the same devotion and traditional methods as used in the artisan bakeries of old. These include a wide variety of pizza al taglio, focaccia, torte rustiche and a range of freshly prepared breads.
Salads are carefully balanced, using the freshest seasonal Mediterranean ingredients; whether it’s the black venere rice with oven roasted tomato, rocket and salmon, or the stracciatella, radicchio and pomegranate. Soups range from aubergine purée and barley to the hearty Tuscan bean soup served in a hollowed out sourdough bread, deli and antipasti boards contain a selection of fine cheeses and cured meats, perfect for a light bite, or the aperitivo hour.
Vivo also offer several hot specialties, including Pollo alla Romana, the extremely popular traditional beef lasagna and melanzane alla parmigiana. The dessert menu is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Limoncello and almond cake, pastiera Napoletana, zeppole, babà, and gianduja and hazelnut tart are certainly worth saving space for.
Will Thompson added:
“Vivo brings a modern twist to the Italian Cuisine using the finest regional Italian ingredients; we produce a fascinating selection of dishes to enjoy throughout the day or evening in stylish, informal surroundings. The very meaning of our name reflects the atmosphere and style of Vivo, a vibrant Italian bakery-café-bar providing a rustic setting where we emphasise attention to detail. Our guiding principles are quality, immaculate hygiene and service with a smile.”
For evening drinks, or to accompany a meal vivo boasts an extensive drinks menu including their own take on classic cocktails including the Nut Express, Kiwi Pleasure and Shoreditch Sunset. The venue is open until 11pm Monday to Thursday, until Late Friday and Saturday nights and until 10:30pm on Sundays.
For more information please visit www.vivotaste.co.uk
