Not many restaurants last long these days, to get to be fifteen years old you must have something special
Where’s that amaaaazing restaurant gone to that a well-paid influencer was gushing over last week?
Probably closed. Andy Warhol said everyone gets fifteen minutes of fame, and that was before social media made fame a commodity to be easily bought.
Mele e Pere is approaching its 15th year in the heart of Soho, which makes it very unusual. Its success is based on simply being a very good restaurant with a loyal clientele. Yes that is actually better than getting 1000 likes from people still too young to drink at your bar
Since opening its doors in 2011, Mele e Pere—meaning “Apples and Pears,” has welcomed guests down its vintage tiled staircase into a space that’s relaxed with a copper bar that boasts the largest Vermouth collection in the city.
Founders and brothers Peter and Chris Hughes, born in Milan to British parents, teamed up with friend and fellow chef Andrea Mantovani, a Verona native, to bring their shared love of Italian cooking to London. They met in the kitchen at Michelin-starred Wild Honey in Mayfair.
The trattoria is marking the milestone with new seasonal menu and cocktail additions and the return of their Vermouth classes—an invitation to explore one of Italy’s aperitivo traditions.
Launched for the Summer is a Sicilian Supper Club offering a 3 course menu of traditional and regional Italian cooking for £29.50pp featuring:
- Lobster salad with Tropea onions, cherry tomatoes and orange dressing
- Handmade ravioli with ricotta, tomato and aubergine for main followed
- Homemade cassata gelato with candies fruit, pistachio and chocolate sauce
Or visit the Vermouth Bar for their new Spritz Hour which includes a refreshingly new way to spritz, with Procida Spritz – Allora Aperitivo, Limoncello and Prosecco. From Sunday–Friday, 3–6pm it’s £7.50 for all Spritzes including Aperol Spritz and other Vermouth-based spritzes and £5 all vermouths.
Mele e Pere’s menu celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy, with seasonal ingredients and recipes that reflect a deep respect for the craft. Their pizza is slow proved for over 48 hours and their pasta, made fresh every day in-house, remains a highlight, with dishes like Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Pappardelle al Tartufo and Spaghetti alla Carbonara. Their legendary 1.2kg T-Bone alla Fiorentina and their Tiramisu have been drawing fans for years.
From the very beginning, the team has championed this vermouth, blending their own house red and showcasing them in their signature cocktails including the Mele e Pere Negroni made using their own Vermouth. Guests can take part in hands-on Vermouth classes that delve into the history, craft, and joy behind this aromatic tradition.
Address: 46 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F 9TF
Reservations: 020 7096 2096, Open 7 days a week
@meleeperesoho
Group Dining & Specials
Group Set Menu: 2 courses for £29pp | 3 courses £35pp
Sicilian Supper Club: 3 courses £29.50pp
Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menu: 2 courses for £18.50pp | 3 courses £22.50pp