As we reported in December, there were rumours that Italian food hall giant, Eataly, was planning to launch in the UK. The firm has now confirmed that it will indeed open a major new venue here, although it won't be until 2020.
The company said it will create a major new Italian marketplace at London's 135 Bishopsgate. Eataly will take up 42,000 sq ft over the ground and first floors of the building.
If it is similar to the venues in Italy and around the world, visitors will be able to experience a vast shopping area filled with Italian produce, several restaurants and bars. There is also news of on-site production laboratories and a cooking school on site.
Office workers who take space in the building will be able to use a roof terrace with views over London, but their work canteen and in-house catering will both be run by Eataly.
CEO Luca Baffigo said, 'Opening a place in London, where people can buy, eat and learn, is a very important and exciting milestone for us. Being able to bring our model into a place that is so significant for us fills us with satisfaction and stimulates us to create in London a wonderful multifunctional experience.”