London Fields Is Getting an Abruzzo-Inspired Restaurant

"Named after the clown in the Edward Hopper painting Soir Bleu, the restaurant is inspired by the food of Abruzzo, the central Italian region known for sheep farming where Mike has spent time living. Arrosticini, flame-grilled skewers common in the region, will be at the heart of the menu, with varieties including lamb, cull yaw, wagyu, liver and wild boar."

"The drinks offering will be heavily Italian-leaning, with £5 Camparinos (Campari, soda and lemon oil) and Negronis alongside Martinis on the cocktail menu, plus digestifs, amari and homemade limoncello to finish. The wine list will feature low-intervention bottles from Abruzzo, the rest of Italy and Europe, with five wines served by the glass and a small 'scratch list' on offer too."

"The main restaurant space will have seats for 31 plus a small standing counter for walk-ins, so you can pop in for some skewers and wine, while the intimate bar downstairs will be a place to stay long into the night."

Auguste, a new restaurant opening April 1st at 373 Mentmore Terrace in London Fields, is led by Chef Mike Bagnall and Dylan Walters. Named after the clown in Edward Hopper's Soir Bleu painting, the restaurant celebrates the cuisine of Abruzzo, Italy's central sheep-farming region where Bagnall has lived. Arrosticini—flame-grilled skewers in varieties including lamb, wagyu, liver, and wild boar—anchor the menu alongside dishes like carciofi alla Romana, stracciatella, and whole grilled fish. The drinks program emphasizes Italian offerings: £5 Camparinos, Negronis, Martinis, amari, and digestifs, with a wine list featuring low-intervention bottles from Abruzzo and beyond. The 31-seat main space includes a standing counter for walk-ins, while an intimate downstairs bar extends service into the evening.

Read at London On The Inside