European bistro opens on Duke of York Square

Cafe Linea has opened in Chelsea, nestled behind the arches of a 19th-century arcade.

The European bistro, founded by Greg and Felicity Godik, is part of a hidden terrace escape on Duke of York Square.

Serious culinary talent

Cafe Linea is a collaboration between hospitality veterans and a team of experienced kitchen professionals. Head chef Simon Merrick, formerly of Richard Corrigan's restaurants, leads the kitchen alongside chef-partner Carolina Ferpozzi, whose career includes stints with South American chefs Fernando Trocca and Narda Lepes. Together, they have created an à la carte menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic techniques. 

Highlights include chicken liver parfait in millefeuille, Colchester oysters served with lime and shallot, roasted hake in curried brown crab sauce, sour-glazed pork with pineapple and lychee and a generous Devonshire bone-in sirloin finished with peppercorn sauce. 

"We're not trying to be clever for the sake of it," says Merrick. "The aim is food you actually want to eat – food that's satisfying, thoughtful and anchored in great ingredients."

Wine is central to the Cafe Linea experience, offering over 130 labels celebrating small, often family-run producers. 

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