Carluccio's Is Dead: Here comes...er...Carluccio's

THE Carluccio’s in Spinningfields is having a major re-vamp after five years.

All this looks familiar, a mix of Cicchetti (on King Street West) and the aforementioned Alchemist bar. Still it should work very well.

The main change will be with the addition of the 'Carluccio’s Aperitivo Bar concept'. 

While Confidential giggles then runs away in terror everytime the word 'concept' is introduced this one is along the right lines.

Obviously having gazed across the main public area of Spinningfields at the evident and runaway success of The Alchemist, Carluccio's wants to join in. 

The Apertivo Bar will offer a separate area within the business with the existing 'deli-bar' area of hams and cheeses and so on being replaced by a proper drinking bar.

In essence much of the present 'deli' will disappear although the shelving units full of cakes and biscuits and Italian delights including books telling us how glorious Antonio Carluccio is will remain.

Apparently customers will be able to enjoy 'carefully selected stuzzichini (little appetisers) such as Caponata (Sicilian Aubergine stew) and Ligurian Flat Bread, Mozzarella di Buffala, Homemade Foccacia and Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano with 25 year old Balsamico di Modena (Breadsticks wrapped in Parma Ham, with chunks of Parmesan and Balsamic Vinegar dip)'.

These 'grazing dishes' can be accompanied by an 'exclusively Italian wine list with favourites such as Chianti,  Valpolicella, Frascati and Pinot Grigio as well as Rose from Puglia from an ecologically minded, family-run business'.

There's Prosecco as well, naturally, and Peroni, Campari and Italian juices alongside 'simple Italian cocktails'.

During 'Aperitivo Hour' after work, Peroni will be £3, wine discounted by £5 a bottle and a bottle of Prosecco for just £15.

All this looks familiar, a mix of Cicchetti (on King Street West) and the aforementioned Alchemist bar. Still it should work very well.

By the way the main part of Carluccios will serve meals as previously.

Carluccios Spinningfields will be closed from Monday 26 March and will reopen on Monday 2 April.