In the eye of a renaissance vortex, Farringdon glitters on the city’s fringe.  Having enjoyed modish gentrification in recent years, this part of Clerkenwell is where city slickers and creative professionals hang out within an historically rich, hip urban village.

Images: The localist.

Riding the wave of this revival is an elegant new eatery known as The Localist, http://thelocalist.london at 38-42 St John Street EC1M, which in just 6 weeks since opening, has ignited new energy and fresh expectations to a burgeoning restaurant scene.

Fusing industrial chic, warm informality and a winning menu, the former cork warehouse in St John’s Street has been sensitively transformed by experienced restaurateurs Stefano Potorti’ and Yuri Negodyuk into a space entirely in harmony with its location.

 Exposed brick walls and wooden floors are complemented by peacock blue velvet upholstery and soft furnishings, a glass atrium, warm lighting and  mirrors throughout.

And while the ambiance and service are winning accolades, it’s the modern European cuisine that is proving a magnet for gourmands. Unsurprising perhaps since Head Chef, Marco Squillace is at the helm. Formerly Head Chef at SoHo House, Shoreditch and previously Junior Sous Chef at Cipriani, he cleverly fuses sophisticated dishes with artisan cuisine to create an inspired menu featuring classics like fritto misto, mussel linguine, the freshest grilled seabass with Mediterranean caponata and even good old fish and chips.

The menu includes a set lunch and even a range of simple but perfectly executed brunch options ideal for the business community while local residents are able to enjoy the bar with live music and fabulous cocktails, served by ‘Cocktail King’, Luigi Pecoraro, craft beers and wines from an extensive wine list carefully curated by General Manager Fabio D’Anzi.

With nearby Barbican earmarked to become the City of London’s cultural hub, The Localist it seems is poised to become the new destination du jour.

The Localist is the creation of Stefano Potortí and Yuri Negodyuk, businessmen from very different backgrounds brought together by a love of good food. Italian Stefano is the managing director of Sagitter One restaurant consultancy and is passionate about great service. Yuri is an experienced restaurateur from Kazakhstan, a country where people appreciate good food and music.

These two foreign investors are optimistic about the future of business in the capital and are committed to invest in the hospitality industry. Together they have created The Localist, a lounge bar and restaurant bringing a slice of neighbourhood life to historic St John’s Street in Farringdon. The Localist offers an eclectic seasonal menu showcasing the best of local produce alongside a range of craft beers and cocktails. A place for friends to get together, tourists to unwind and a backdrop for special events, The Localist is a neighbourhood bar for everyone, located in the heart of London.  To see the menu go to: http://thelocalist.london/our-menu-2