Tom Cenci and Guy Ivesha to open new restaurant Nessa

This autumn will see the launch of Nessa, a new British bistro in London’s Soho from Guy Ivesha and chef Tom Cenci.

The restaurant will open on the ground floor of 1 Warwick, a new sister private members’ club to Mortimer House in Fitzrovia, founded by Ivesha. Cenci, formerly executive chef at Loyal Tavern in Bermondsey and Duck & Waffle, will be executive chef at the restaurant.

The menu will be Inspired by the rich history of Soho, English painter Vanessa Bell and other artists and creatives of the Bohemian movement. The seasonal dishes will use produce from Britain and across the Channel, drawing on both British influences and global flavours.

The 98-cover restaurant will sit in the renovated 1910 neo-Baroque building and has been designed by architecture and design firm Fettle. It was inspired by the eclectic and colourful establishments synonymous with Soho’s past, with references to Edwardian Baroque architecture and the building’s existing features.

In the bar, a horseshoe counter and lounge seating will be accompanied by a combination of bespoke and mid-century modern vintage furniture. In the dining room, brushed oak and arabescato corchia marble fixtures, cosy banquette seating and tables will overlook Brewer Street.

Cenci said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Guy Ivesha, and look forward to creating something really special with him and the team at Maslow’s. We have some exciting plans for this menu, drawing inspiration from my background and travels – watch this space!”

Ivesha added: “I’m so pleased to bring our new restaurant, Nessa, to the lively streets of London’s Soho. Following our opening of Mortimer House Kitchen in 2017, just a few streets away in Fitzrovia, I can’t think of a better setting for the newest addition to the Maslow’s family.

"I’m also excited to be working with Tom, our executive chef, whose menu will be paying tribute to the artists and creative spirit of the neighbourhood.”

Photo: James Moyle