One Year of Locatelli at the National Gallery

One year ago, Locatelli at the National Gallery opened its doors within one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks, bringing together Italian hospitality, art, and dining in the heart of Trafalgar Square.

In partnership with celebrated chef Giorgio Locatelli, we are incredibly proud of what the restaurant has achieved in its first year. Set within the beautifully transformed Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery, Locatelli has quickly established itself as far more than simply a restaurant, becoming a destination where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and culture naturally come together.

At the heart of the experience is Giorgio Locatelli’s much-loved approach to Italian cooking: seasonal ingredients, regional flavours, elegant simplicity, and generous hospitality. From freshly made pasta and refined Italian classics to the relaxed atmosphere of Bar Giorgio, the espresso and maritozzi bar inspired by traditional Italian café culture, every detail has been designed to create a welcoming and memorable experience for guests visiting from London and around the world.

As the restaurant celebrates its first anniversary this weekend, we sat down with General Manager Costanzo Cappella, recently nominated for General Manager of the Year at the Searcys People Awards, to reflect on the journey so far.

How would you sum up the first year of Locatelli at the National Gallery?

“It’s been an incredibly rewarding year, intense, exciting, and full of growth.

Launching and operating a venue in such an iconic location meant there were high expectations from day one, but what made the journey even more unique is that we’re not just running a restaurant. We’ve been delivering incredible events, managing the espresso bar, and looking after the members’ club, all under one roof.

Balancing all of those moving parts while building a loyal guest base and establishing ourselves within the London dining scene has made the year both challenging and hugely fulfilling.”

What have been the biggest challenges of operating in such a high-profile location?

“One of the biggest challenges has been managing multiple operations simultaneously while ensuring each area maintains the same high standards of service and hospitality. 

Secondly, finding the right balance between a premium brand positioning, and creating an atmosphere that still feels warm, approachable, and welcoming. From the beginning, we wanted the space to feel inviting rather than intimidating, and achieving that balance between relaxed hospitality and polished service has been one of our ongoing focuses.”

What moments from the past year are you most proud of?

“I’m most proud of how resilient and committed the team has been. Opening a venue with so many different elements brought a lot of pressure, and everyone had to be adaptable from day one. Seeing the team grow in confidence and consistently deliver across every part of the business has been incredibly rewarding.

I’m especially proud that together we secured the 2 Forks recognition from the Gambero Rosso guide twice in a row. It was a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the consistency and passion across the venue. It has also meant a lot to see so many returning guests continue to support us in the new location — it shows the relationships and trust built over the years have carried forward.”

What did your nomination for General Manager of the Year mean to you?

“It was a huge honour and something I’m incredibly grateful for. Recognition like that is never just about one person, it reflects the effort, passion, and dedication of the entire team. Considering the scale and complexity of the operation, it felt especially meaningful because it recognised the hard work happening across every part of the venue.

It is also a reflection of the incredible support I’ve received from my Heads of Department and the wider team since day one.”

How have you worked to create a distinct identity for Locatelli in London?

“For us, it’s always been about creating an experience that feels warm, genuine, and memorable. Of course the food and drinks are important, but hospitality is what truly sets a venue apart.

From day one, we wanted the restaurant to feel approachable and welcoming rather than intimidating. Having worked with Giorgio Locatelli for many years, there is a strong shared understanding of the style of hospitality we want to deliver — one rooted in conviviality and genuine care for the guest experience.”

What have you learned about leadership over the past year?

“One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of adaptability and communication. No two days are the same in hospitality, especially when you’re overseeing several areas of the business at once. Being able to shift focus while keeping the team aligned has taught me how important it is to stay calm and trust the people around you.

I’ve also learned how essential it is to surround yourself with the right team. Having strong Heads of Department and a team that believed in the vision from day one has been absolutely fundamental.”

How do you keep the team motivated in such a fast-paced environment?

“Creating a positive culture is everything. We celebrate successes, recognise hard work, and make sure communication is open and honest. Energy is contagious in hospitality, and when the team feels supported and connected, guests feel that atmosphere as well.

We also spend a lot of time coaching the team on the style of service we want to achieve, making sure everyone feels confident in delivering it.”

What is your vision for Locatelli going into its second year?

“The focus now is on consistency, strengthening our reputation, and continuing to evolve the guest experience across the entire venue. We want to become a destination people actively seek out — not just because of the location, but because of the quality of hospitality, atmosphere, and versatility we offer.

At the same time, we want to continue refining the balance between approachable hospitality and premium service so that guests always feel they can enjoy something special in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

One Year On

One year on, we could not be prouder of what the team at Locatelli has created together. The restaurant has already established itself as a standout part of London’s evolving dining landscape, bringing together art, hospitality, and Italian conviviality under one roof.

Our greatest thanks go to Costanzo and the exceptional team behind Locatelli, whose passion and dedication continue to bring the restaurant to life every day.

Celebrating the Milestone

To mark its first birthday, Locatelli at the National Gallery will be offering guests dining on Sunday 10th May 2026 a complimentary glass of Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta when ordering a main course.

Since opening inside one of the capital’s most iconic cultural destinations, the restaurant has welcomed guests for elegant lunches, pre-theatre dining, celebratory dinners, and relaxed aperitivo moments inspired by the warmth of Italian hospitality, making this anniversary the perfect moment to raise a glass to the journey so far.