The National Gallery announces new restaurant by Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli, in partnership with Searcys
When the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery reopens on 10 May 2025, it will feature a new restaurant by Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli, in partnership with Searcys.
The team will be opening an all-day restaurant 'Locatelli', along with 'Bar Giorgio', an espresso and maritozzi bar.
Located on the mezzanine level of the Sainsbury Wing – which reopens following a two-and-a-half-year transformational Bicentenary project to provide a warmer welcome for the millions of annual Gallery visitors – 'Locatelli', the 80-seater restaurant and bar will offer guests a unique opportunity to experience Giorgio’s celebrated Italian cooking, and just like the nation’s Gallery, everyone is welcome.
In addition, opening on the ground floor will be 'Bar Giorgio', an espresso bar perfect for those looking for a quick break, an Italian coffee and Giorgio’s sweet and savoury maritozzi menu.
Following the announcement of the closure of their eponymous, Michelin-starred 'Locanda Locatelli', which hosted its final service in December 2024, 'Locatelli' represents the much-anticipated next chapter for the lauded chef.
Giorgio is one of the world’s most respected Italian chefs, with a career spanning 40 years. Growing up in the town of Corgeno in northern Italy, he moved to London in the 1980s, honing his skills at The Savoy Hotel. Following a few years working in some of the most admired kitchens in France, he returned to London, earning himself his first Michelin star at 'Zafferano' in 1999. In 2002, Giorgio and his wife Plaxy opened their first restaurant, 'Locanda Locatelli', which became the benchmark for Italian cuisine in London, and maintained its Michelin star for over two decades. Along with his restaurants, Giorgio has an illustrious television career, and has been awarded the title of Cavaliere, Order of the Merit of the Italian Republic.
The National Gallery has long been a source of inspiration for Giorgio, and particularly the works of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), an artist known for his dramatic, and sometimes controversial paintings. The surrounding history and creativity of the restaurant’s prestigious location will be reflected throughout 'Locatelli’s' menu.
Operated in partnership with one of Britain’s longest established hospitality groups, Searcys, the restaurant will be open from 10am through to evening, with the menu focusing on Italian classics as well as Giorgio’s signatures; forever changing with the seasons. Guests can start with a selection of antipasti, then moving onto primi such as 'Pappardelle, broad beans, pecorino and rucola' or 'Braised veal ravioli with parsley gremolata' and 'Parmigiano Reggiano sauce'. Secondi will see the likes of 'Roast chicken alla cacciatora and polenta' and 'Roast ribeye steak with aubergine, red onion and cherry tomatoes' and to end on a sweet note, will be a choice of Italian-inspired dolci including the classic 'Tiramisu', 'Lemon and mascarpone cake' or 'Fresh fruit tart with custard'.
The Sainsbury Wing has been transformed by a team led by Selldorf Architects. The interior of 'Locatelli' has been designed by award-winning studio LXA, with the impressive, light-filled dining room featuring Paula Rego’s (1935-2022) monumental 10 metre artwork 'Crivelli’s Garden' (1990-91). The work was created especially for the Sainsbury’s Wing’s restaurant space by Paula Rego – the Gallery’s first ever Associate Artist.
The ground floor of the Sainsbury Wing will house 'Bar Giorgio', a casual espresso bar for both gallery visitors and passers-by alike. It will be the home of Giorgio’s maritozzi menu, offering a selection of both sweet and savoury takes on the classic Roman pastry.
Giorgio says, 'Opening 'Locatelli' at the National Gallery is an extraordinary moment for Plaxy and I, and such an honour for the next chapter in our culinary journey to be housed in such a landmark space; surrounded by history and creativity, where great paintings of the past inspire new ideas for our future.
Caravaggio has always been such a huge inspiration for me, and so to cook under the gaze of his work is a dream come true. His dramatic use of light and shadow resonate strongly within this setting, and we are excited to bring that same boldness and authenticity to our menu. From Italian classics to seasonal creations, we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience the beauty and warmth of our cuisine, in such a prestigious and inspiring setting.'
Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery adds 'It is a pleasure to welcome distinguished chef and broadcaster, Giorgio Locatelli, into the National Gallery family, enriching the excellent food and beverage offer we have for visitors. I look forward to a scrumptious Italian menu inspired by National Gallery paintings in our new Sainsbury Wing restaurant, 'Locatelli', and one of the best espressos in town at 'Bar Giorgio' on the ground floor.'
'Locatelli' opens at the National Gallery on 10 May 2025. Open Monday to Sunday during Gallery hours. Friday until 2100.
More information at www.locatelliatnationalgallery.co.uk, Instagram @Locatelli_NG and Facebook ‘LocatelliattheNationalGallery’
Notes to editors
The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the Gallery houses the nation’s collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the late 13th to the early 20th century. The collection includes works by Artemisia Gentileschi, Bellini, Cezanne, Degas, Leonardo, Monet, Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens, Titian, Turner, Van Dyck, Van Gogh and Velázquez. The Gallery’s key objectives are to care for and enhance the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors. Admission free.
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About Searcy's
The UK’s oldest British caterer, Searcys is the brainchild of one man: John Searcy, who founded the company in 1847. A creative and culinary force of nature, John began his illustrious career as the confectioner for the Duke of Northumberland, before taking his talents to London to establish the go-to events company in the capital.
In residence at unique historical venues across the UK including The Pump Room at the Roman Baths, The Gherkin, and St Pancras International, Searcys prides itself on offering a taste of indulgence, serving fresh, seasonal dishes that focus on sustainability, alongside extensive Champagne and wine lists, paired with world-class service and expert event catering.
Bars and Brasseries
• St Pancras Bar and Brasserie
• Searcys at the Gherkin
• Searcys Champagne Bar at Battersea Power Station
• The Portrait by Richard Corrigan at the National Portrait Gallery
• Searcys Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall
• Searcys Bar and Brasserie at Surveyors House, Westminster
• Barbican Bar and Grill
• The Pump Room, Bath
More information at searcys.co.uk
Instagram @SearcysLondon
Press enquiries
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