The Latimer, the new pub and neighbourhood dining destination from the Spiteri family, is now open on Latimer Road. Bringing together two generations of one of London’s most celebrated families in hospitality, the new opening sees restaurateurs Jon Spiteri, Melanie Arnold and their children Lorcan, Fin and Molly unite around a shared vision for a pub rooted in warmth, quality and neighbourhood spirit.
Restaurateur Jon Spiteri, an original partner in institutions including The French House Dining Room, St. John with Fergus Henderson and Sessions Arts Club, has long shaped modern London dining. Melanie Arnold, also of The French House Dining Room, is co-founder of Rochelle Canteen, which has been widely praised for its understated yet refined approach to food for the past 20 years, as well as Rochelle at the ICA and the longstanding catering company Arnold & Henderson. Their sons, Lorcan and Fin, the duo behind Caravel, bring experience from some of the capital’s most respected kitchens and dining rooms, while their sister Molly, Business Development Lead at Koya, completes the family team.
The kitchen is led by Lorcan, where dishes balance classic flavours and hearty favourites with refined, imaginative touches in a welcoming setting. Snacks and starters include grilled asparagus with herb sauce, confit trout with tomato, green bean, new potato and radish, and cider braised pork belly skewers with apple sauce. Larger plates, suitable as mains or for sharing, include artichoke and stracciatella tagliatelle with crisp sage, and oxtail with mash and horseradish. Desserts include an amaretti crumble layered with custard and rhubarb, alongside dark chocolate mousse with blood orange.
Alongside the main menu, a dedicated bar menu caters for those dropping in for a drink. Dishes include sweet, plump, house-made milk buns, The Latimer chilli cheeseburger and masala haddock with curried tartare sauce. On Sundays, the traditional roast gives way to sharing platters of carefully sourced meat including Westholme short rib of beef with horseradish and chips, and roast leg of lamb with carrots and green sauce, all accompanied by a selection of seasonal vegetables.
Heading up the drinks and front of house service at The Latimer is Fin. A thoughtfully concise cocktail list combines classics with innovative serves, including the Latimer Martini, Fino Highball and the appropriately named Westway. A considered temperance offering features homemade seasonal shrubs such as raspberry & thyme, Three Cents sodas, and a Dry Daiquiri.
There’s a selection of draught beers including Latimer Lager, Arctic Sky IPA, London Black and, debuting on tap at The Latimer, the non-alcoholic Bunta Beer. The wine list is predominantly European, with a small selection of New World bottles. Spanning sparkling, white, rosé, orange and red styles, there are also several options on tap from Uncharted Wines.
The Latimer’s interiors are both pared back and in keeping with its rich and notable history. There’s character in its simplicity and a strong sense of place in every corner. Upholstered and recycled furniture, reclaimed crockery, and wooden floors bring about a warm, lived-in character, while artwork chosen by the family adds a personal touch, including a mural painted by artist and family friend Tanya Thompson, which greets guests as they head downstairs.
Further details rooted in long-standing creative relationships of which the family is proud run throughout: from the logo created by Fin and Lorcan’s tattoo artist Adverse.Camber to bespoke shaker hooks by Joshi Greene (also supplier to St John and Rochelle Canteen). Tailor-made beer taps by Allday Goods use upcycled plastic to create brightly coloured focal points behind the bar, while contemporary, relaxed uniforms from locally-based sustainable menswear brand SIRPLUS are in keeping with the pub’s style and heritage. The result is a pub that feels layered, individual and connected to London’s wider design and restaurant community, with a nod to the family’s hospitality pedigree.
