A former Fortnum & Mason chef opens his debut restaurant in west London next week – Walter’s Bistro near Hammersmith Bridge, a tiny 12-seater where he will serve his personal take on British and Italian food.
Born and brought up in Rome, Walter Cannavacciuolo has worked in London for 10 years, including a stint as a private chef for the CEO of a “major fashion house” (he can’t name her after signing a non-disclosure agreement).
His bistro is on the Barnes side of Hammersmith Bridge, which is currently closed to traffic, and he has developed a menu which aims to steer clear of the obvious: in place of arancini you’ll find potato and mint chicken croquettes served with aioli, and in place of pizza Welsh rarebit with roasted tomato salad.
“I love Welsh rarebit,” Walter says. “Most of my jobs here have been cooking English food and I really like it, but I also cook Italian at home – so I began mixing the two together.
“So many restaurants have exactly the same menu, which I find really boring. I have always wanted to do something different, so here it is – and I hope people will like it.”
Main dishes include Beef & bacon meatloaf en croute with heritage carrots and watercress mash; and Italian sausage & porcini pie served with mashed potatoes. More recognisably Italian dishes include Scampi & prawn risotto, alongside vegetarian options Parmigiana ravioli with parmesan sauce or Sicilian couscous with mixed vegetables and bell pepper sauce. Desserts include a Marsala wine & strawberry tiramisu and Chocolate & marzipan mousse with raspberry compote.
Walter’s Bistro will be open in two shifts: from 9am-2pm for coffee and pastries, and from 6-10.30pm for dinner (Tuesday to Saturday), plus Sunday brunch from 10am-4pm.