Soho’s Floridita announces new head chef
Floridita, the 1930s-style restaurant in the heart of the West End, has announced a new head chef, Richard Sawyer, who will be taking the reins of the popular Latinamerican inspired supper club from December.
Sawyer has an extensive background in the restaurant world, having trained at Stone’s Chop House (previously part of the Savoy Group), and The Connaught. He received his first Michelin star while head chef at Le Talbooth, before moving to the Capital’s premier French restaurant, The Greenhouse. Working with Irish restaurateur Oliver Peyton, Sawyer has dedicated himself to opening several restaurants, including The Atlantic, One Whitehall Place, Somerset House and River Walk at the iconic OXO Tower. Prior to Floridita, Sawyer held the position of executive chef at Rules Restaurant. His career also took him to the Fort Belle Hotel in Jamaica, where he honed a wealth of techniques that facilitated his blending of traditional British cuisine with exotic ingredients.
With a focus on seasonal produce, Sawyer’s menu at Floridita will spotlight traditional Cuban and Latin American favourites. For those who appreciate premium steak, Floridita will be introducing a new steak tasting menu which showcases the finest prime cuts of aged steaks.
In addition to the delicious dishes, The Floridita bar showcases the most impressive selection of rums in Europe, with Richard Woods, the king of mixologists creating some of the finest cocktails in town. The list features traditional cocktails from the early-1930s menu as well as more contemporary creations such as the pineapple and sage mojito and marmalade gimlet and a collection of seasonally changing drinks.
The Floridita stage is pivotal to the full experience. Diners and drinkers can enjoy an array of live entertainment each night of the week; the resident Floridita All-Stars combine exotic Latin rhythms with funk and soul each weekend evening. Acts such as Los Guayaberos, who recall the legendary music group Buena Vista Social Club and cover their global hit “Candela”, help to underline Floridita’s authentic feel and expertise. The entertainment programme establishes the venue as central London’s premier supper club.
Spaces for entertaining within Floridita abound: Bar Constante is a private members’ area appointed with a ’30s-style steel cocktail cabinet, which seats 42 guests and accommodates 60 for a cocktail and canapé reception. The Havana Lounge has space for 68 guests for dinner (up to 90 for a standing cocktail and canapé reception), while The Salon Rojo seats 20 and has capacity for 30 standing. All offer great views of the stage and dance floor while providing guests with a more exclusive space.
The decor at Floridita fosters a glamorous atmosphere with deep reds, antique earthy tones in the bar area, luxurious white leather and an abundance of crystal chandeliers. This Latin-inspired supper club combines an iconic, vibrant restaurant with a buzzy cocktail bar, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
