Acclaimed live fire restaurant announces opening at ‘iconic’ London landmark

The Whiteley has announced that Nela, the acclaimed live fire restaurant founded in Amsterdam by internationally renowned chefs Hari Shetty and Ori Geller, alongside British entrepreneur Gilad Hayeem, has taken nearly 10,000 sq ft of space at the ‘iconic’ London landmark.

Nela means pure. This is encapsulated in the restaurant’s gastronomy, in the hand-crafted spaces and materials, and in the connection between people, culture and traditions. Nela London will celebrate the union of live-fire cooking with high-quality, hand-picked ingredients.

The open flame provides the perfect tool for using heat and temperature to create incredible textures and flavours. The restaurant will feature a ‘stunning’ open kitchen, giving guests an insider view of the action as it unfolds, and a 360 degree centrepiece bar for Londoners to mingle and soak up the atmosphere over cocktails and long drinks.

The menu, a mix of main dishes and sharing plates, will be inspired by locally and internationally sourced ingredients. Dynamic spaces with natural materials will provide the perfect backdrop to the effortlessly stylish vibe at the heart of the Nela brand.

Hari and Ori commented: “Following the success of our launch in Amsterdam in 2022, we’re very excited to share the Nela experience with our London guests. Our vision has always been to create a space where we can gather round the fire to share good food and drink with friends in a beautiful setting.

“The Whiteley is a unique place and, together with our incredible team, we can’t wait to create a destination within a destination for all lovers of great hospitality.”

Adam Goldin, Head of UK at C C Land, added: “With the announcement of our latest tenant, Nela, we are advancing our mission to rejuvenate Bayswater into a premier destination for living, shopping, dining and leisure.

“The team’s incredible success in Amsterdam and track record working with globally acclaimed restaurants leaves us with no doubt that the live fire concept will bring a new and exciting dimension to our vibrant offering at The Whiteley.”

Nela joins a suite of other world-class brands at London’s original department store, including Effie by Pachamama Group, Guillam Coffee House, Browfique, Everyman Cinema, Third Space and Six Senses. A host of additional names are set to be announced in the coming weeks and months. Nela London is due to open at The Whiteley in Autumn 2024.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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