A new Italian restaurant and deli opens in Soho this autumn, but the food's somewhat... woolly.
Despite its prime central London location, you won't be able to swing by Kate's Knitalian for a pre-theatre meal or late-night dinner. It's an art exhibition, one where the food is made entirely of wool.
Textile artist Kate Jenkins is using crochet, knit and embroidery to transform Air Contemporary Gallery into a detailed Italian trattoria and deli counter, where tables are laid with hand-knitted feasts: (Literal) strings of salami, woven wheels of parmesan and tangled spaghetti are among the dishes on display — all painstakingly crocheted stitch by stitch.
Given the popularity of similar ideas by felt artist Lucy Sparrow — including her 2025 felt fish and chip shop in Mayfair — we expect Kate Jenkins' exhibition will be very busy.
Says Jenkins:
I've always wanted to create an entire Italian restaurant in yarn. Italy has always inspired me — not only through its food, but its appreciation of craftsmanship, beautiful materials and the rituals that happen around the table. At Kate's Knitalian, visitors won't simply look at artworks on walls — they'll step into a complete restaurant where every detail has been carefully considered.
You'll soon be able to book reservations online, with two sittings at the Knitalian every day. All artworks will be available to buy.
Jenkins has been using her skills to transform yarn into food-inspired artworks for three decades, featuring most recently in the window of the Hermès flagship store on New Bond Street.
Kate's Knitalian is open at Air Contemporary Gallery, 4 Ham Yard (in the courtyard of the Ham Yard Hotel) in Soho, 30 October-5 December 2026. Follow Kate on Instagram for a preview at some of the pieces, including some incredibly realistic works.
