November saw Corinthia London embark on a bold new culinary chapter with Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei, a vibrant restaurant inspired by the chef’s Calabrian heritage.
Mezzogiorno means ‘midday’ in Italian, but it’s also a familiar nickname for Southern Italy—a region famed for its blazing noonday sun.
Taking over the space previously occupied by The Northall, Mezzogiorno brings the warmth, generosity, and bold flavours of Southern Italy to one of London’s most elegant hotels.
Francesco Mazzei
For Francesco Mazzei—long celebrated as one of the UK’s most influential Italian chefs—the opening marks his return to London, though he shall remain also operating at the Corinthia Palace in Malta, the birthplace of the Corinthia brand.
Known for acclaimed restaurants including L’Anima, Sartoria, Radici and Fiume, Francesco brings with him a cooking philosophy shaped by the traditions of the Italian South: soulful dishes, just a handful of ingredients, and flavours that speak for themselves. “Opening Mezzogiorno is about sharing the way we eat in Italy,” he says. “It’s generous, it’s lively. I want people to sit, eat, drink, laugh – and feel like they’re part of my family.”
Chef Francesco and his beloved sun drenched Calabria
A Taste of the Italian South
Mezzogiorno oozes Mazzei’s native Calabria—a land of rugged peaks, sun-drenched shores, and a cuisine defined by bold, elemental flavours. Fiery chillies, ‘nduja, soppressata, bergamot and bright citrus all find their way into the dishes. Yet Mazzei’s lens is wider than the South: he draws on traditions from across Italy while championing the best of British produce. The vast majority of ingredients are sourced locally—Scottish seafood, Welsh lamb, Westcombe ricotta—underscoring his focus on seasonality, sustainability and thoughtful sourcing.
Menu highlights include Scottish crab with Tuscan panzanella, Umbrian white truffle tortelli, and a quartet of Rome’s iconic pastas – cacio e pepe, gricia, carbonara and amatriciana. The Bistecca alla Fiorentina promises theatre and generosity, while Mazzei’s famed Massive Marsala Tiramisus offers the kind of indulgence Italian deserts are known for.
To bring Mezzogiorno to life, Corinthia commissioned award-winning design studio Afroditi, who reimagined the former Northall space as a Baroque-influenced Italian palazzo. The transformation is dramatic: soaring eight-metre ceilings, hand-painted stucco, and a tactile palette of terracotta, pink and stone come together with green-veined Italian marble and natural oak parquet. The atmosphere shifts effortlessly from daytime luminosity—sunlight flooding across silk fabrics and greenery—to evening romance under candlelight and custom-made Murano chandeliers. The experience begins the moment guests step through the kitchen, offering a glimpse of chefs at work before entering the main dining room, where rustic charm meets refined elegance.
“We wanted to create something joyful, vibrant, and deeply rooted in family traditions,” says Corinthia London’s General Manager, Charlotte Weatherall. “Francesco brings a warmth and generosity that resonates with us as a family-owned hotel.”
A New Chapter for Corinthia London
With Mezzogiorno, Corinthia London strengthens its position as one of the city’s leading culinary destinations. The new restaurant joins a distinguished lineup: Kerridge’s Bar & Grill by Tom Kerridge, the al fresco oasis The Garden, the glamorous cocktail bar Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese, and the Crystal Moon Lounge, home to one of London’s most refined afternoon teas. A Festive Southern Welcome.
Opening just before the festive season, Mezzogiorno will launch with a collection of celebratory menus inspired by winter produce from Calabria and Sicily—think bright citrus, aromatic herbs and exquisite seafood. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menus will showcase Mazzei’s signature approach: elegant, soulful dishes that honour tradition while offering something new to London diners.
Meet the Chef
Raised in Calabria and now four decades into his culinary career, Francesco Mazzei has cooked in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world and earned international acclaim for his advocacy of Italian gastronomy. In 2019 he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contribution to Italian cuisine.
In February of this year, Chef Francesco showcased his culinary skills at a celebration of Italian cuisine, featuring a feast centred on sustainable slow food, attended by many prominent figures from the worlds of sports, film, and haute couture, and including King Charles and Queen Camilla.
A couple of years ago, I penned an article on Insider Plus about this remarkable personality. https://corinthiagroup.com/chef-francesco-mazzei-the-man-and-his-story/
It’s worth a read!
A Southern Italian Stay
For those wishing to immerse themselves fully, Corinthia London extends the experience throughout the hotel: complimentary aperitivi, Calabrian-inspired touches, and even a signed keepsake from Mazzei himself. After dinner, guests can retreat to the serenity of ESPA Life at Corinthia, before slipping back to their suites with memories of Southern Italy lingering on the palate.
With Mezzogiorno, Corinthia London isn’t simply unveiling a new restaurant—it’s unleashing the soul of Southern Italy in the heart of Westminster. Expect warmth, vibrancy, and unmistakable Calabrian flair in every moment.
Buon appetito.
