The numbers
Theo James is set to open a second restaurant called Ornella in Hackney, which will be an Italian establishment influenced by Milanese cuisine. This new venue will be almost double the size of his first restaurant, LUPA, which has been well-received since its opening in Highbury.
Ed Templeton, a partner in the venture, stated, “We could have done a second Lupa, and maybe we will one day, but we wanted to do something even more ambitious here.” This statement underscores the intention behind Ornella, aiming to elevate the dining experience in the area.
Ornella’s design and menu are expected to reflect the rich culinary traditions of Milan, promising a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s larger size will allow for a more extensive menu and increased seating capacity, catering to the growing demand for quality Italian cuisine in London.
In addition to his restaurant endeavors, Theo James is also known for his role in the long-running TV show Coronation Street, where he portrays Theo Silverton. Recently, his character has been involved in a controversial domestic abuse storyline with Todd Grimshaw, played by actor Gareth Pierce.
This storyline has drawn significant attention, as it depicts emotional manipulation and physical abuse, with Theo reportedly subjecting Todd to a series of distressing situations. George Shuttleworth, another character in the show, remarked, “This all feels so sudden, it feels like Theo dragged Todd to the registry office,” highlighting the abrupt nature of the events unfolding on-screen.
Moreover, the character of Gary Windass, who has a history of violence and has killed two people in the past, has been friends with Theo in the series. This connection adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, as viewers are left to wonder how these relationships will evolve.
As the opening of Ornella approaches, observers are keen to see how Theo James balances his culinary ambitions with his acting career. The restaurant’s launch is highly anticipated, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by the public.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact opening date of Ornella, but the excitement surrounding this new venture continues to build as Theo James expands his influence both in the culinary world and on television.
