Pophams London Fields to close pasta restaurant

Pophams London Fields is to close its evening pasta restaurant next month after six years of trading.

The team announced the news on Instagram, describing it as a “very difficult decision” precipitated by rising costs across the board.

A spokesperson for the restaurant said: “Running an evening restaurant over the past six years has been a huge challenge. The rising costs of produce, general bills, rent and labour have placed enormous pressure on this side of the business, while the unpredictable nature of services in the early week has made it difficult to achieve the consistency needed to sustain the restaurant in the long term. We’ve worked hard to adapt, but despite our team’s best efforts, the balance has become increasingly hard to maintain.

“That said, the experience has also been hugely rewarding. Creating a space where people could come together to enjoy great food, and working alongside such a talented and dedicated team, has been something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Pophams was founded in 2017 by Ollie Gold, an ex-Formula 1 caterer. After opening his first bakery in London’s Islington with creative director Lucy McWhirter, the pair launched their second site in London Fields in 2019 with an expanded pasta offering under the leadership of executive chef Phil King and head chef Rae Arends.

Pophams London Fields has been listed in the Michelin Guide and was praised by Time Out food critic Leonie Cooper in 2023 for its “outstanding, and, importantly, al dente, but not too al dente” pasta.

Pophams Restaurant will close on 30 October.

Pophams Bakeries in London Fields, Victoria Park and Islington will continue to operate as normal.