Italian bar and grill arrives with little fanfare

With relatively little fanfare the rumoured opening of Frankie's restaurant in Chiswick has now happened. The new Italian restaurant has established itself in what used to be Pug with, as yet, little change to the decor.

The original eaterie in Knightsbridge is a joint venture between the popular jockey and volatile celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. They are also reportedly looking at plans to convert the Criterion restaurant at Piccadilly Circus into a 400 cover branch of the new chain. Franchises in the Middle East are also being considered.

The local market for Italian pizza/pasta restaurants is very crowded, particularly in that part of the High Road with good quality restaurants like Strada and Caffe Piccolo a short walk away.

Frankie's appears to be going for the very top end with pizzas reportedly costing £12.50 a time. At that price they would have to be pretty good - we'll feature a review of the new restaurant on the site in the next few weeks.

June 3, 2005