Top restaurateur to open London pub
Jacob Kenedy, who runs Bocca di Lupo in Soho with partner Victor Hugo, told PubFood that he “nearly ran out of canal” before happening upon Islington pub, the Prince of Wales.
The chef intends to build himself a home above the pub, while at the same time create a new business in the ground and basement floors. The Prince of Wales, a former Taylor Walker pub, was a live sports bar before it closed at the start of the year. Kenedy has bought the freehold and plans to invest around £1m in its renovation.
He hopes to reopen the pub in just under a year.
Finger food
According to Kenedy, the pub’s food offer will be “simple fare, some family recipes, and a focus on finger food for sharing”.
“I was looking for a building I could occupy, and at the same time make something new as a business. Creating spaces where people feel good, and serving them food and drink to the same effect, is what I do."
He added: “I spent a year knocking on people's doors and asking them if I could buy their place. I nearly ran out of canal before happening upon the Prince of Wales.
“It happens to be directly across the canal from the house where I lived when I was a baby.”
Kenedy also expected a “big crossover” in management style from Bocca di Lupo, as it was the place he learned to run a business.
Accolades
Under his stewardship, Bocca di Lupo has been listed among the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK by the Publican's Morning Advertiser's sister title, Restaurant magazine.
It has also featured in the Tatler Restaurant Guide, and was one of Time Out’s Best Italian Restaurants in 2011.
On the idea of opening further pubs, Kenedy said he couldn’t see it happening – “at least not in this phase of life, as this is a one-off lifestyle business.”
