The Stafford London to open restaurant in Fitzrovia

The Stafford London hotel will be launching its first independent restaurant project this summer under the direction of its culinary director Ben Tish.

Norma, in Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, will be inspired by the food and culture of Sicily, with particular emphasis on its Moorish influences.

The new restaurant will be housed in a converted townhouse, split across three floors. The bottom two will be dedicated to the restaurant and a first floor cocktail bar; the top floor will be a private dining space. There will also be a crudo bar at the entrance serving raw seafood.

Stuart Procter, general manager of the five-red-AA-star, 107-bedroom Stafford London hotel in St James, said: "Norma will be a great addition to the already strong restaurant offering at the Stafford and we are looking forward to bringing the exceptional levels of service for which we are already known, to a brand-new concept and location."

The main menu will feature dishes using seasonal Italian and British produce, from a selection of antipasti and pastas, to larger grilled meat and fish dishes.

Upstairs in the private dining room, guests will be able to order large family-style sharing dishes including whole fish and platters of seasonal vegetables. The restaurant will offer all day dining, serving food until 10.30pm.

Tish added: "I'm intrigued by Sicily and the Moorish influences found in its culture and architecture, and Norma has been inspired by much time eating and drinking though this part of the world."

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