Bloc magazine winter 24-25

27 Back in February 2019, Big Mamma's arrival in Lon- don, opening Gloria in Shoreditch, didn’t so much make waves as create a social media tsunami. With five restaurants now in the capital they’ve all been variously described as audacious, escapist, deca- dent, vivacious… you get the picture. They’re clearly doing something very right and on a grand scale too—with 26 restaurants in 6 coun- tries—but aesthetics will only get you so far in the world of food. It’s not just the settings; the essence of it is in the quality of the produce, well that, and its authentic- ity. Big Mamma’s culatello is from Lorenzo Bagatto, the third generation of ‘ham makers’ from the world renown, mountainous San Daniele del Friuli region, with its own DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protet- ta). All of their products are sourced from small arti- san producers across Italy; all masters in their field. As the group expands, they continue to source new suppliers rather than over extend current producers that could dilute the quality. The inspiration for La Bellezza is quite specifically ‘a romantically wild courtyard in Perugia’ where you can seek solace from the mundanity of the city. To create the illusion there’ll be seven-metre-long tapestry curtains, a six-metre-long bookcase, over 5,000 vintage bottles, dramatic paintings, hand- made Murano glass chandeliers dotted through tumbling ivy and a white and green checkerboard, Italian marble floor. For founders, Victor and Tigrane fun is also essen- tial to what they offer “we thrive on having a good time, day and night (and) when we have the op- portunity to create new places—to see people fall in love with a new ambiance and super authentic dishes—we jump in with both feet.” La Bellezza is open for lunch or dinner at 2 Cham- berlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3AX. To book, visit www.bigmammagroup.com