Peruvian restaurateur, chef and award-winning cookbook author Martin Morales will open Ceviche Old St restaurant and bar in March 2015 at the historic Alexandra Trust Dining Rooms.
Following the success of Ceviche in Soho, which kick-started the Peruvian restaurant scene in London, and more recently Andina in Shoreditch, Martin and his team will bring Peruvian dining culture to a significant East London restaurant landmark with Ceviche Old St.
Located between The City and Shoreditch, the new site will comprise a 130-cover space, including a 70-cover dining room, with a dedicated ceviche bar, Peruvian rotisserie and open grill, and a 60-cover bar area which will serve bar snacks, Pisco cocktails and British and Latin American craft beer.
Housed on the ground floor of what was once the Alexandra Trust Dining Rooms, Ceviche Old St is a two minute walk from Old Street underground station. Built in 1898 by Sir Thomas Lipton, of Lipton’s Tea, and steeped in history and character, the building was originally a place for East London’s working class to dine affordably and socialise with fellow workers, friends and family.
Up to 12,000 meals were served each day by 100 waitresses, with a typical meal costing the equivalent of just 2p today. Ceviche Old St will draw on the site’s rich heritage and ethos, through its menu, restoration and design. Sharing plates will be available at affordable prices in both the main restaurant and bar; as well as open kitchens to watch the theatre of cooking and preparation; and a relaxed space created to encourage socialising and great conversation over a post-work drink.
At the dedicated Ceviche Bar, diners will watch ceviches being made in front of them and be able to customise their own dishes. A takeaway menu and local delivery service will also be available.
The design at Ceviche Old St is a collaboration between Martin and the award-winning Fabled Studio and is focussed on restoring the Alexandra Trust Dining Rooms’ original structural features and character. The interiors will stay faithful to Victorian architecture, yet will introduce same-era Peruvian aesthetics to the mix. Dark redwood panelling will be used to create the bar and counters, whilst original tiling and glazed brickwork will be evident throughout the restaurant space. Select artwork by acclaimed contemporary Peruvian artists will add a creative edge to the aesthetics.
