Is it a store? An Italian food court? A cookery school? No, it’s Eataly, which is all those things and more, explains manager Matteo Ferrio. “It’s a food market and restaurant concept, a place where you can eat, shop and learn about high-quality Italian food and drink all under one roof,” he says.
It’s a concept that has made its mark across the globe, with 40 Eataly locations in 15 countries from Japan to Brazil. Now, after a false start (the Selfridges plans in 2016 never happened) and Covid-related delays, it’s finally landed in London.