Locanda Locatelli to re-open after gas explosion

Locanda Locatelli is to re-open its doors on 14 March, following a renovation to repair the damage caused by a gas explosion.

The Michelin-starred London restaurant was closed for four months after there was an explosion at its permanent home at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill hotel in November last year.

A total of 14 staff were injured in the blast and around 400 people were evacuated to a neighbouring hotel at the time of the blast.

Its planned reopening next month follows a £1m renovation.

The restaurant interior, designed by David Collins in 2002, remains largely unchanged, but the kitchen has been completely re-designed to include state-of-the-art equipment.

The restaurant has also incorporated a new semi-private dining space within the restaurant to seat up to 20.

Meanwhile the menu will retain many of Locanda Locatelli's classic dishes such as lobster linguine and the pappardelle with broad beans and rocket. Additions to the menu include mezzi paccheri pasta with red gurnard, black olives and almonds and cicerchia soup with whole grain prawn ravioli. Locatelli is also planning to create a selection of raw vegetable salads to be added to the menu.

Commenting on the re-opening Giorgio Locatelli said: "I am thrilled that we are finally able to open our doors to the public after our unfortunate closure in November. I am extremely excited to get back in the kitchen."

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