You start the day with a bracing cappuccino. Perhaps you take a wander through the narrow, winding backstreets, swinging by the deli for a quick focaccia, or the local gelateria for something sweeter. You soak in the culture, perusing boutiques filled with pin-sharp Italian tailoring, before taking in the scenery at your favourite rooftop bar, a fresh gin cocktail in hand. The sun is shining, the air thick with romance. It’s every bit la dolce vita — only, you’re bang in the middle of the West End.
The Italian way of life doesn’t have to be savoured fleetingly, in weeks stolen from busy work calendars, at the end of delayed flights from Stansted. It can be found right here in London — if you know where to look. With a little help from Malfy Gin (which is crafted in Italy and inspired by the stylish, sun-soaked enclave of the Amalfi Coast), we’ve rounded up an array of authentic Italian delights that bring the spirit of Southern Italy closer to you.
A rooftop spritz: Alto by San Carlo Terrazza Malfy, Selfridges
San Carlo has revolutionised the UK’s idea of Italian food over the past 30 years, shifting the collective palate away from heavy, over-garlicked spaghetti dishes towards delicate, authentic flavours like Nonna used to make.
Alto, one of its latest dining concepts, is set high above the city on the roof of Selfridges and draws on Venice’s cicchetti culture: small plates shared between friends. Think decadent truffle ravioli, tender veal Milanese and creamy burrata, enjoyed with sweeping views.
The drinks come courtesy of Malfy, a gin from Italy inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Be transported to this stylish, sun-soaked enclave with a drink’s menu of refreshing Malfy Gin Spritz’s and Gin & Tonics. Whether you choose an ‘Amalfi Sunset Spritz’ which combines Malfy Gin Rosa distilled with pink grapefruit, San Pellegrino Aranciata and Prosecco, garnished with orange, thyme and strawberry or a ‘La Dolce Vita Spritz’, a heavenly blend of Malfy Con Arancia distilled with blood oranges, San Pellegrino Limonata, Prosecco, blackberry, pink grapefruit and sage, you’ll be instantly transported to sunnier climes.
The traditional deli: I Camisa & Son
A short walk from Selfridges, I Camisa & Son is a world-famous Italian deli with a rich heritage stretching back to 1929. Walk down Old Compton Street, Soho, on any given lunchtime, and you'll find lengthy, excitable queues for its sandwiches, made fresh to order with ingredients including boar and black truffle mortadella, creamy stracchino and traditional prosciutto crudo. You can also pick up fresh pasta, cannoli, cold cuts and niche Italian wines — everything you need for at-home alfresco dining this summer.
An authentic coffee: Bar Italia
Bar Italia is a Soho institution, just like Ronnie Scott's jazz club and the Guinness mecca that is the Toucan (which are but a stone throws away). Opened in 1949 by the Polledri family (who still own it to this day), this Italian hangout has become famous for its paninis, cannolis and, most importantly, coffee, which is best served the traditional way: short, strong and silky. Convention dictates a cappuccino before 11am, or else a caffè or espresso, as and when desired. Coffee at Bar Italia is often served al banco (at the bar) as it would be in Italy, creating the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with some of its intriguing fans, which include Alexa Chung, John Hurt and Rupert Everett.
The sweet spot: Badiani 1932
London’s best gelato shop is a true Italian transplant — it arrived in the capital in 2015, more than 80 years after the first Badiani opened in Florence, and quickly amassed a cult following for its traditionally made, luxuriously creamy gelato. Frankly, we won’t waste your time with flowery descriptions: all you need to know is that it is *chef’s kiss*. Try the signature buontalenti — a unique flavour made using just milk, sugar, cream and eggs — or a vegan lemon sorbet. You won’t regret it.
The Italian fit: Brunello Cucinelli
You’ve probably heard of the Italian word sprezzatura: the confident but relaxed nonchalance that sets Italian style apart. It signifies luxurious fabrics and precise fits worn without pretension or reverence: a soft cashmere jumper tucked into a pair of meticulously pressed chinos, an unstructured linen jacket that hugs the shoulders just so. Brunello Cucinelli is a master of the art. The Perugian designer works with a focus on traditional Italian craftsmanship and finding beauty in simplicity. His classically cut blazers and beautifully dyed cashmere — all to be found at his New Bond Street boutique — are a particular treat.
Live your best Italian life with Malfy Gin
Enjoy Malfy responsibly - for more information visit Drink Aware
