Arabica Bar and Kitchen to open in London's Borough

Market trader and food importer Arabica Food and Spice Company is to open its first bar and restaurant, at 3 Rochester Walk in London's Borough.

The company, founded more than 14 years ago by James Walters at Borough Market, when he sold mezze from an 8ft trestle table, will open the new 80-cover site in June this year.

The restaurant - called the Arabica Bar and Kitchen - will be overseen by general manager Olubunmi Okolosi, who was previously general manager of Lima and prior to that the maitre d' at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. He is also a business partner in London restaurant the Lockhart.

Meanwhile, food writer and wine expert Zeren Wilson is behind the wine list, and Geoff Robinson will oversee the cocktails.

The food on offer is expected to be influenced by the eastern Mediterranean, with vegetable focused mezze, rare-breed meat and fish cooked over charcoal.

Arabica Bar and Kitchen will showcase a range of mezze, pastries and ingredients from a new street cart and will continue serving falafel and Label Anglais chicken shawarma wraps outside on market days.

Bar snacks will cost £3 - £6.75, with mezze dishes at £4.95 - £12.95 and desserts at £4.25 - £6.75.