A new modern Italian restaurant and bar, Canto Corvino, has been introduced to the heart of Spitalfields. Situated on Artillery Lane, Canto Corvino means ‘song of the raven’ – a reference to the road’s former name, Raven’s Row.
The 140 cover restaurant and cocktail bar is open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Canto Corvino is the third restaurant from Andrew and Ninai Zarach, owners of the hugely successful Manicomio restaurants in Chelsea and the City. Head Chef Tom Salt is in charge of this outstanding new kitchen with Head of Operations, Michael Mayhew overseeing the front of house.
Award-winning design studio, B3 Designers (Sackville’s, Gymkhana and Bubbledogs) have created the branding and interiors drawing on the warehouse aesthetic and trading heritage of the Spitalfields area with Italian craftsmanship.
Overall the design that B3 Designers have conveyed is elegant yet casual and authentic in style. The design team have utilised existing rough brickwork and steel columns have been left in their fire proofing to give a real stripped back look. As well as this the old drainage pipes remain in their place as a skeletal reminder of the buildings earlier identity.
As an established trading community since 1638, Spitalfields has a history of producing silk and fabrics over the years and this is wholly reflected in the design of the Italian restaurant, with elements of the industrial era incorporated into the site, expressing a timeless yet understated luxury.
The main dining area of the restaurant features a commanding theatrical kitchen with cut stone tiles to create a bold triangular pattern to the front, allowing diners to observe and appreciate the chefs at work in the kitchen. The space is embellished with rustic stained oak tables with brushed brass trims and base; and a banquette with a unique and elegant cross-stitch pattern to the rear of the area. Charming doll chairs with leather upholstery in a bold burnt orange and tan colour liven up the space.
Adorning the walls adjacent to the seating booths are white metro tiles that were cracked at random to give a sense of authenticity to the post occupancy factory aesthetic. This is placed with the blackened steel framing that houses the antique mirror frames set to factory window dimensions, the effect of which reflects light pouring in through the shop front, adding a natural lightness despite its heavy finishes.
Maintaining the industrial theme, the central bar presents machine-like blackened steel over the bar that houses both wine bottles and glasses. With an innovative bar frontage made from reclaimed distressed timber, false draw frontages pay homage to the vast oak cabinets in old factories where threads, needles and other trinkets would have been stored.
An arrangement of cross-sawn dark oak boarding is in place juxtaposing effectively against a square mosaic tile pattern surrounding the bar. Elegant steel and elm barstools accompany the bar, ready for guests to take a seat and socialise at the bar. The light elm top of the seats integrates liveliness in contrast to the dark finishes.
The screen enveloping the staircase down to the Cellar and Private Dining Room is an eye-catching feature that adjoins the ground floor and the basement. Stunning ornamental mottled glass sits between panels of toughened glass in a glittering pattern, inside a blackened steel frame. Finishing touches include a striking teardrop pendant cluster suspended above the stairwell.
An intriguing wine cellar runs the length of the wall in the Private Dining Room, with large heavy looking steel doors – again fitting with the industrial theme – which also has seating for 24 on custom-built tables.
The a la carte menu at Canto Corvino features a range of mouth-watering dishes including Stuzzichini which translates to ‘appetisers’ in English; these include Purple figs, blu di bufala and Jerusalem artichokes, and Sicilian red prawn, chilli and tomato arancini. Delicious main dishes include Duck tortelli with borlotti beans and sausage, Pork T bone, onion squash, salsa verde and burnt plums; and Veal Spiedino for 2 which comprises Jewish artichokes, pancetta and Marsala.
A number of palatable desserts are also available on the Italian menu, including the classic Tiramisu, as well as Pear served with walnut and buttermilk, and Salted chocolate delizia. Home made ice creams and sorbets are also on the menu, in addition to a selection of fine cheeses with the choice of either a small or large cheese board.
Wild Grapes Ltd
Wild Grapes Ltd are specialists in the bespoke wine storage industry and have been delivering excellence in the sector since 2005. Since their inception the firm has established a strong reputation for creating wine storage solutions which are visually interesting, as well as practical and affordable.
The firm delivers professional, bespoke wine storage and wine displays to a range of clients including many high profile hospitality sector clients. Wild Grapes have provided services to London’s Savoy and Ritz hotels, the Barbecoa Steakhouse (Jamie Oliver Group), The Walbrook and Sager + Wilde’s latest restaurant and wine bar concept, Mission.
The team recently worked with the Manicomio Restaurant Group to create a bespoke wine display for Canto Corvino in the City. A black steel, cage style wine display was used to great effect, to compliment the restaurant’s elegant and contemporary styled interior.
Natalie Drage from Wild Grapes, commented:
“Intelligent and creative design makes our wine racking practical and beautiful, so it is always great to see Wild Grapes wine racks take centre stage, rather than being hidden away in a basement.
“As members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, our skilled designers and craftsmen work with steel, aluminium, timber and glass to create the best possible wine storage solution, whether the requirement is for high capacity, functional storage, or a showcase wine display.
“Our exceptional customer service also keeps our clients coming back for more.”
