The first time I came across Eataly was when I went to Milan in 2019 as a long weekend break (you can read that post here: Brera Gallery and Eataly). So, when I learned that Eataly was coming to London, I got excited. Although Eataly has not officially been launched in London yet (it's grand opening is set for the 20th of May), the shop and a couple of the food counters are open for takeaway; the restaurants and additional food counters will be opened for the grand opening. Eataly was founded in 2007 as a venue offering high-quality Italian food (with focus on sustainability) and as a place to eat, shop, and learn. London's Eataly opened during the pandemic, and I visited when I was able to browse the shops and enjoy a takeaway, but visitors could not sit indoors for a meal during my visit.
Visitors to Eataly will be able to browse two floors of Italian products. The ground floor has two entrances; one entrance is from the entrance/exit next to Liverpool Street station. The other entrance is on Bishopsgate. The ground floor contains a bar and food counters and seating areas, a sweet shop, an ice cream and cannoli counter, a selection of fresh breads, and a deli. Upstairs contains most of the shopping of groceries and includes ranges of breads and pastas, sauces, sweets, fresh buffalo mozzarella and other cheeses, a whole area dedicated to wines and alcohols, restaurants, a butcher, and produce.
Eataly has transformed this building, which I think was once office space with various coffee shops and restaurants on the ground floor. I'd previously enjoyed a hot chocolate or meal in a couple of those, but it was a little bit overlooked by the bulk of the building and set aside and a bit hidden from the pavement.
The wine area had some unique gifts and selections of wines, such as this rose that caught my eye in a pink marble-effect bottle.
On the ground floor, I had the choice of fresh pizza or pasta or a selection of items from a deli. I opted for pizza. This pizza, Pizza Alla Pala, is a street food of Rome. The pizza is sold by the slice and made with a slow-rising dough stretched out.
Near these food counters is an illuminated hallway of sweets, and it is quite eye-catching from outside the building. The hallway is called "La Luminarie", and it is created with nearly 5,500 light bulbs. The work is inspired by traditional village fairs from the 16th century that used to display timber-framed artwork. With the invention of the light bulb, these were then illuminated.
Due to the pandemic restrictions, all food must be consumed outdoors; no indoor seating and eating is permitted. I enjoyed a slice of pizza. There is one area that is open for drinks and nibbles on the ground floor.
At some point, Eataly will also be offering various classes and workshops. To get your Italian groceries and pretend you are on vacation since we actually cannot travel, head over to Eataly.
Leave a comment