Theo James & Ed Templeton To Open New Osteria, Lupa, In Highbury
In unexpected news, The White Lotus and The Gentlemen star, Theo James, is teaming up with Carousel co-founder, Ed Templeton, and Naz Hassan of Pigin fame, to open a new Roman osteria called Lupa in Highbury this June.
About the lineup
While imagery of the opening is relatively under wraps for now – the dedicated Instagram and website showing only the restaurant’s logo at the time of writing – the hype is already there.
Lupa is described as an osteria (AKA an affordable eatery with simple, classic food) serving ‘Roman comfort food’ with a London touch.
Named after the she-wolf in Roman mythology, Lupa is described as an osteria serving ‘Roman comfort food’ with a distinct London touch and seating only 28 covers.
In the kitchen is Naz Hassan, former Head Chef of Pigin and Crispin, who’s partnered with the duo to finish off the impressive trio.
“Theo and I are both Highbury locals and share an ambition to open an enduring neighbourhood classic,” Templeton told The Standard. “It’s taken 18 months to make it happen, but we knew it was a special corner of Highbury from the start. We just needed a special chef who could help us bring the Roman dream to life.”
What’s on the menu?
Lupa is set to lean into Roman-inspired antipasti dishes such as stuffed courgette flowers and mozzarella-filled arancini, followed by pasta dishes such as carbonara, bucatini all’amatriciana, and cacio e pepe for primi. Secondi includes slow-roasted porchetta stuffed with chicken liver and lamb cutlets. On weekends, bigger dishes such as lasagne and patata alla romana are added to the menu. For dolci, expect favourites including tiramisu and cream buns. Plus, thick-cut porchetta sandwiches will be available for takeaway on match days at the nearby Arsenal stadium.
When will it open?
Lupa will reportedly open in late June at 73 Highbury Park, N5 1UA. The restaurant is set to be open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, and for lunch on the weekend. For more information and to sign up for updates, visit www.lupa.restaurant.com
