Veneta to Open in St James’s Market this October

This October, Simon Mullins and Ben Tish of Salt Yard Group will open Veneta in the stunning new St James’s Market, London. Inspired by the timeless magic of Venice, the restaurant will showcase the very best of Venice’s vibrant culinary scene, with a menu that pays homage to the eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines of the city; a drinks list that will feature carefully sourced vermouths and aperitifs of the region; and a glamorous interior design befitting of La Serenissima.
With a nod to Venice’s pivotal location on the silk and spice trade route, Chef Director Ben Tish and Head Chef Jamie Thickett have created menus inspired by the city’s rich culinary heritage featuring dishes such as Kid goat ragu with fresh pappardelle; Charcoal grilled monkfish with anchovy sauce and salsify; and Chicken braised in almond milk with Medjool dates and saffron. A classic Venetian raw bar will take pride of place behind the beautiful bar, offering an ever-changing selection of British and Venetian seafood.
Fans of the team behind the restaurants, Salt Yard, Dehesa, Opera Tavern, and Ember Yard, can expect to see the finest salumi and cheeses served from a beautiful bespoke cheese trolley and all sourced from the Veneto region. There will also be a changing menu of handmade pasta dishes including the Venetian classic “Bigoli” and there will always be a delicious fresh seasonal risotto, cooked to order. In addition, Veneta will be the first Salt Yard restaurant to offer guests an all-day dining experience serving both indulgent and healthy options for breakfast, including fresh fried fritelle with jam, chocolate and saffron custard, Burrata with roast plums, hazelnuts and tarragon; Smoked Scottish salmon, black truffle butter, scrambled eggs and polenta brioche; andBaked eggs with spinach, tomato ragu, speck and basil.
Co-founder Simon Mullins has curated an extensive list of wines that focuses exclusively on Northern Italian regions, as well as an exclusive range of Italian vermouths and bitters, rarely seen in the UK, which can be served on their own for the perfect pre-dinner aperitif or mixed into the restaurant’s unique list of Italian cocktails.
Reflecting the opulent glamour of the Italian city, Veneta will be an enchanting space seating 110 covers and comprising of classic bar-counter seating, banquette booths and intimate tables. The main dining area benefits from impressive double-height ceilings adorned with handcrafted ironwork chandeliers from Matt Livsey Hammond, while specially-commissioned oil paintings and glasswork from Ramon Otting reflect the distinctive hue of water that surrounds the city. An elegant stairway with intricate detailing leads guests on to the mezzanine floor of the restaurant; a space that will provide a vantage point over the bustling floor below, and that will also be available for exclusive hire and private parties. Outside the restaurant an extensive terrace area on the pedestrianised St James’s Market will provide the perfect spot for guests to enjoy the culinary delights of Veneta while watching the world go by.