Cafe Kitty is Soho's new theatre-land restaurant inspired by the world of cabaret
London’s Soho welcomes Cafe Kitty, the cool little sister of the Kitty Fisher’s Group, with intimate interiors inspired by the world of cabaret and burlesque
Cafe Kitty has opened its doors to reveal an exciting new theatre-land restaurant destination, thrillingly positioned amidst the winking lights of London’s Soho. This is the third offering from the Kitty Fisher’s Group, whose eponymous first restaurant opened in Mayfair to universal acclaim in 2015. Its second, Cora Pearl, in Covent Garden, garnered similar praise, and the brand has earned a reputation for exceptional food presented in unique and atmospheric surroundings.
Fondly known as the ‘cool little sister’ of the group, Cafe Kitty occupies the first floor of Underbelly Boulevard, a brand-new performance venue, brought to Soho by Underbelly, the internationally renowned producers behind a diverse body of work, including multi-award-winning musical Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
Cafe Kitty unveils its culinary glamour in Soho
Underbelly Boulevard is enviably positioned on a historic site, smack-bang in the middle of Soho, just by the bustle of Berwick Street and the neon signs of Walker’s Court. The site was previously the home of the original Boulevard Theatre (which began as a sister venue to the iconic, and some would say notorious Raymond Revue Bar in the late 1950s).
Tom Mullion and Oz Milburn of Kitty Fisher's Group have commented: 'Everyone at Kitty Fisher's Group is so excited to be moving into Underbelly Boulevard: the building has entertainment flowing through its fabric and we'll ensure that its life-affirming pulse continues in the dining room. We have always wanted to be in Soho, and to be able to [cater to] the Underbelly Boulevard patrons and their incredible performers is fantastic.’
Whilst situated in the theatre building and offering a fabulous pre- and post-theatre experience to its patrons, Cafe Kitty operates as a standalone restaurant – a gem of a place in which to retreat and soak up the Soho atmosphere.
Taking its cues from the world of cabaret and burlesque theatre, the interior is intimate and glamorous. Dusky pink walls are adorned with original burlesque posters, and warm soft lighting is reflected by antiqued mirrors. The decadent mood is enhanced by green velvet banquette seating and marble tables, in a space accommodating up to 60 diners for lunch and dinner.
Created by Cafe Kitty head chef Charles Shaw and Cora Pearl head chef Fabrizio Pusceddu, the modern British menu features delicious, vibrant dishes, including Fish Stew with Croutons, Cheeseburger Tartare, and their celebrated Kitty’s Crispy Potatoes – and then you could dig into their sumptuous Boozy Plum Knickerbocker Glory for dessert.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
The excellent food is complemented by a tailored wine list, and if you fancy a cheeky cocktail, there is a tempting house selection, among them the infamous Bad Kitty – a delectable mix of gin, sloe Gin, lemon, elderflower and cava.
Mullion and Milburn added: ‘We want Cafe Kitty to feel like a cool younger sister; delicious food, restorative drinks and full of that magical Soho energy. As always in our restaurants, Cafe Kitty will of course have room for long business lunches and romantic dinners too. In all they produce, Underbelly make us laugh and cry; then we leave, happily pondering the extraordinary power of artistic endeavour.’
Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms
-
Sarah Solis’ first furniture collection is an homage to art deco
‘Is it weird to call furniture sexy?’ Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Solis discusses her debut furniture line and new brand and store, Galerie Solis
By Dan Howarth Published
-
‘Very Roman, very Bulgari’: Mary Katrantzou on the ancient roots of her opulent first accessories collection for Bulgari
Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari’s new creative director of leather goods and accessories, breaks down her debut ‘Calla’ collection for Wallpaper*
By Jack Moss Published
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
Mark’s Club’s interior refresh brings British countryside charm to the heart of Mayfair
Located in a classic Mayfair townhouse, Mark’s Club unveils its new interiors, from greenhouse extensions to a new open-plan layout full of trinkets and charm
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Frogs legs to fromage: Café François is London’s newest French canteen, serving up all the classics with a contemporary global twist
The founders of Mayfair's Maison François have opened a new addition, Café François. The Borough-based canteen offers an array of French classics from dawn to dusk
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Dramatic and immersive, Dosa dishes up Korean cuisine with a moody flair
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair welcomes Dosa, a new Korean restaurant by Akira Back
By Melina Keays Published
-
Yauatcha’s bespoke mooncakes mark the start of delicious celebrations for Mid-Autumn Festival
Yauatcha, London’s Chinese dim sum teahouse, celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival (17 September) with three flavours of limited-edition mooncakes
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Why bread is back on the menu
Gone are the days of carb-avoidant diets dominating restaurant menus. Food Critic, Leonie Cooper, celebrates the return of pillowy, inventive bread as London's stand-out dish
By Leonie Cooper Published
-
Birley Chocolate hits the sweet ’n’ chic spot in London’s Chelsea
The new Birley Chocolate shop, a sibling to Birley Bakery, is a confection of colour as delicious as its finely crafted goods
By Melina Keays Published
-
The London tequila bars well worth a shot
Our resident spirits writer Neil Ridley explores London’s best places to enjoy the finest agave-based spirits
By Neil Ridley Published
-
Eight of the best Chinese restaurants in London right now
Our food critic's picks of the best Chinese restaurants in London, serving up a wealth of regional wonders in the chicest of contemporary surroundings
By Ben McCormack Published