Sicilian Avenue is reintroducing itself as the capital’s hottest and above all tastiest culinary destination – and we’re hungry to try it!
This quirky diagonal between Bloomsbury and Holborn districts has been crying out for more and better gastronomic choices for what seems like … ever. Sure, there’s a smattering of fine restos on Chancery Street, while Leather Lane still offers a treat for the senses, but dedicated spots for a leisurely repast? They remain thin on the ground.
That’s somewhat outrageous, given that London is one of the world’s top spots for foodies. While British cuisine itself is unfairly looked down on by some, the capital city has come to pride itself on serving up a world of flavours. Last year, London was home to more five-star Tripadvisor restaurant reviews than anywhere else in Europe, neatly knocking Paris, Barcelona and Rome into a bowler hat. Che sorpresa!
London’s status as a destination for foodies has evolved in line with Britons’ changing attitudes around dining. Recent surveys show that 63% of visitors to the capital are more likely to choose a restaurant or cafe on a pedestrianised street – with that figure rising to 67% among younger people – and it is here that Sicilian Avenue really shines. Cars haven’t been allowed here since their invention, which makes it a good deal calmer than your average London street. And this is a place that’s been rebuilt around cafe culture: the Avenue’s redesign boasts upward of 10,000 square feet of outdoor dining space. So whether it’s a contemplative coffee, a light bite for lunch or an extravagant convivio (that’s a word you can use in Italian, Spanish or Portuguese), there’ll be no shortage of room to stretch out and enjoy the ambience.
Crucially, it’s all very well connected: the convenience of being just over a minute’s walk from Holborn tube and seven from Tottenham Court Road means that, if you live outside of the area, you won’t have to drive here. So yes, you can have one more glass of amarone and get home safe.
For Londoners, then, the local impact of Sicilian Avenue’s transformation will be significant. As a vibrant social hub, it will become a gathering spot for friends and family, while for co-workers it’ll be a favourite retreat from the grind. For visitors, meanwhile, the Avenue’s sumptuous reinterpretation of Edwardian London is destined to become a must-see. Or rather, a must-sit-down.
So prendiamo un caffè – and let’s see where it takes us.