Celebrity chef Gino D’Acampo is to open an ‘upmarket Italian’ restaurant at the ME London hotel on the Strand later this month. Named after his 18-year-old son Luciano, the restaurant will launch on 26 July as part of the chef’s new partnership with Meliá Hotels International. “We have been looking for the perfect central London location in which to develop this new five-star concept for some time, and at the ME London, in the heart of the West End and a stone’s throw away from Covent Garden, we have found it,” said D’Acampo.

According to Eater’s news, Luciano will feature a 100-cover open-plan restaurant and outdoor terrace with space for a further 100 guests. Executive chef Lorenzo Minini, who has cooked at London’s Street XO and C-London Cipriani, will lead the kitchen team and has designed the menu alongside D’Acampo. The restaurant will offer “authentic Italian service” with brunch, lunch and dinner served until late. Guests will be able to order an in-room dining service and the team will partner with the hotel to host events. Chris Edwards of drinks consultancy Salt of the Earth is working with the team to create a cocktail menu, while wines will be sourced through D’Acampo’s Italians suppliers.