Housed within a Georgian, grade II listed building on the West side of the square, the new restaurant will have a stripped back feel, inspired by the scruffy wine bars of Venice. Guests will enter through a heavy red velvet curtain to find a zinc topped bar and linen draped lamps. There will be Georgian timber floorboards, red brick walls and a rusted tin ceiling. POLPO’s trademark deep red leather banquets will line the walls alongside old Chemistry lab tables, classic bentwood chairs and antique maps of Venice. Huge Georgian sash windows will flood the restaurant with light, and will open up on to the square during summer months. The terrace will be partially covered with a glass canopy, linen parasols and heaters. ‘POLPO Chelsea will feel closer to Venice than any restaurant we have opened yet. There are so many tables and chairs outside that it will feel very reminiscent of the huge squares of La Serenissima. Duke of York Square is one of London’s prettiest locations feeling secluded and continental, but it’s just a stone’s throw away from Chelsea landmarks like The Royal Court Theatre, Saatchi Gallery and Peter Jones’, says Russell Norman. Following on from the traditions of its sister restaurants, POLPO Chelsea is a bacaro. This is a Venetian word to describe a humble restaurant serving simple food, and good, young local wines. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, signatures on the menu will include cicheti, such as Fried stuffed olives; Arancini; and Chopped chicken liver crostini (from £3). There will also be Fritto misto; Pizzetta bianca; Spicy pork and fennel meatballs; and Sliced flank steak (from £4). Desserts will list Affogato al caffe; Gelato cone; Flourless chocolate and hazelnut cake; and Tiramisu pot (from £4). POLPO would not be complete without a spritz, and there will be both Aperol and Campari Spritz on the drinks list, along with a Negroni and Bellini. The exclusively Italian wine list will begin with the POLPO Bianco, Garganega, the POLPO Rosso, Corvina and the ‘POLPO’ Prosecco Brut, NV (from £18 per bottle). 

One of our perennial favourites has spread its wings West and opened up in Duke of York Square. The hugely successful Venetian bacaro serves up small plates perfect for sharing over an Aperol Spritz or two. The menu features the familiar offerings and as always, there’s no reservations so first come, first served is the order of the day. Great for people-watching while you’re waiting though.