There’s something rather magical about the idea of an ‘emporium’, it evokes an image of an old-timey store filled with bewitching trinkets — the kind of shop that wouldn’t look out of place in Diagon Alley. So it’s fair to say when Pasta Evangelists revealed they were opening their first ever Pasta Emporium in Richmond, I had pretty high expectations. And the new restaurant certainly is rather special — from the chef handmaking pasta in the window, who stops to smile and wave at passers by, to the self-serve wine machine that gives out free wine, there’s a lot to write home about here.
The pasta company started in a basement in London in 2016, and was the brainchild of Alessandro Savelli, who teamed up with Finn Lagun, and Chris Rennoldson to bring fresh pasta, (just like he used to make with his nonna in Italy ), to British kitchens. Despite being told by Dragons’ Den that they were ‘delusional’ and the business would be a ‘disaster’, Pasta Evangelists has gone on to thrive, making millions in revenue, being supported by top chefs like Prue Leith and Gordon Ramsay, and operating 48 takeaway locations across the UK, as well as a pasta bar in Harrods. Oh, and they also have a pasta academy in London, where people can learn to make pasta the Italian way.
The brand new Emporium is Pasta Evangelists’ very first dedicated restaurant space and a lot of work has gone into making it a real experience — there’s a pasta counter where you can watch your f.