London, a city renowned for its diverse culinary scene, recently unveiled a new gem to me which opened back in 2022 but since lately has been led in a new direction by its newest Chef Patron Adam Simmonds. The enchanting combination of Hokus Pokus and Spagnoletti. This unique venue, with its hidden bar in the basement, offers a captivating experience that blends the art of mixology with the delights of Italian cuisine.
Adam, having worked at the likes of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Ynyshir Hall – he’s a chef whose cooking I know very well. I used to eat and stay at Ynyshir Hall when it was under the ownership of the late Joan Reen and also enjoyed his cooking many times at The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge which I frequanted far too much.
Our evening began at Hokus Pokus in the basement, a bar that transports you to a world of wonder with its imaginative cocktails. The mixologists are true artists, crafting libations that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each drink tells a story, a magical potion that tantalises the taste buds.
Everything here is pretty much made in-house (it’s a working laboratory), from mixers to spirits, to edible cocktail accompaniments. It’s seriously fun here so I won’t tell you what we drank above and let you experience that wonder for yourself. Just make sure you look for cocktails with edible (alcoholic) surprises on the side!
After a couple of cocktails, we ascended the stairs, into the world of Spagnoletti, an Italian restaurant with a focus on sharing plates. The ambience was warm and inviting and the staff were great hosts. It’s perfect for a leisurely evening with friends or a meal pre/post journey. It does get busy – so don’t forget that all-important booking.
Our food journey began with the Suckling Pig and Black Pudding Croquette. Perfectly crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside, these croquettes were just little bites of heaven that transported you away for a few moments. The accompanying sauce gribiche added a nice tangy and herbaceous note that elevated the dish and cut into the richness of the filling. A delight.
Next, we savoured (or should I say devoured) the Charcoal Bruschetta. The charcoal-grilled bread provided a smoky undertone that complemented the fresh, ripe tomato and creamy mozzarella. Each bite was a testament to the beauty of simplicity and high-quality ingredients. I really loved this dish and I get rather excited when a restaurant can make something which on paper sounds so simple, but perfects it beautifully.
The Cured Salmon with Asparagus and Olive Oil was a refreshing little dish, little indeed. The salmon, delicately cured went great with the crisp asparagus and a good sprinkling of dill. A gel of olive oil tied the dish together, but I wanted more for the price and as a small sharing plate, there wasn’t much to share frankly – so order two.
Moving on to the pasta course, the Agnolotti filled with guanciale and pecorino was a standout – maybe even my favourite pasta dish of the year so far? The pasta was cooked to perfection, the guanciale added a subtle smokiness and richness, while the pecorino provided a sharp, salty contrast that left me salivating. This is a dish not to miss.
The La Latteria Burrata was a joy and always is. La Latteria is the best burrata in town and produce their products in London using British milk. This dish combined the creamy richness of burrata with the freshness of peas and broad beans, all accented by the earthy aroma of truffle. It was a delicate balance of flavours and textures, but like a lot of the dishes here – using high quality ingredients to make it shine.
If you want fewer small plates and more food, they do offer a selection of larger dishes and we went for the Veal Milanese which was another highlight. Expertly cooked to a golden crisp, the veal was tender and juicy and served on the bone. The brown butter added a nutty depth and an incredible richness which was the perfect way to near the end of our meal. Given this being a little more generous in size, it’s a perfect dish to share with a little salad on the side.
To finish, we indulged in the Salted-Caramel Ganache. The smooth, velvety ganache, the crunchy praline, and the sweet, caramelized banana. Each spoonful was a decadent treat, leaving us thoroughly satisfied with what had been an excellent meal and it was great to enjoy Adam’s cooking once again after many years.
Spagnoletti is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The carefully curated menu, combined with attentive service and fun atmosphere – creates for an unforgettable evening. And let’s not forget the magical start at Hokus Pokus, which sets the perfect tone for the culinary adventure that follows. If you’re seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience in London, Hokus Pokus and Spagnoletti are an absolute must-visit.
