Lello Favuzzi appointed head chef of Mortimer House Kitchen

Lello Favuzzi will serve as head chef at Mortimer House Kitchen in Fitzrovia London - his first role since stepping away from acclaimed Shoreditch restaurant L'Anima after ten years.

Having started menu development in early December, Favuzzi will bring a blend of Italian and Israeli influences to his food with a particular focus on simplicity and vibrant colours.

He told The Caterer: "There is a lot to carry over from L'Anima, but I don't want to carry on doing that complicated style of cuisine. In the future I want to create simpler dishes with not so much sophistication, but a focus on the quality of the ingredients on the provisions of the food and well-researched recipes, old and new.

"One thing that really attracted me when I was in Tel Aviv was the Israeli shakshouka. It's similar to what we do in Italy or what they do in Spain, what they do many countries, but over there it is so full of flavour, so full spice. Reproducing it here and in the middle of March I will be able to bring the Israeli pitta, the real one from a very small producer in Israel, so it will be really really authentic."

Vegan, vegetarian and healthy eating dishes will play a pivotal part of Mortimer House's new offering, with homage being paid to the strong vegan scene operating in Tel Aviv. Dishes will include Burnt carrots, yoghurt, tahini & fennel pollen; Charcoal cauliflower, yoghurt & za'atar; and Mazara prawn crudo with celery cress & chilli.

Guy Ivesha, founder of Mortimer House, said: "Mortimer House Kitchen has always been about preserving a sense of community, reestablishing personal encounters and encouraging social interactions within an eloquent setting. I am thrilled to have Lello on board and with his creativity. I'm sure that Mortimer House Kitchen will continue to grow as a much-loved neighbourhood classic at the forefront of Fitzrovia's ever-thriving food scene; a place that enraptures our guests and fulfils their needs, whether it be a morning coffee, business lunch or occasion-dinner."