Remarkable that when we’d sat down the entire place in its’ cavernous entirety was almost empty. Barely 15 minutes later it was heaving. With more queuing outside.

Crab me by the paccheri

Thick-cut home-made paccheri pasta with crab, red gurnard, mussels + tarragon

First time is always the best. Second time was decent. A bit too al dente. More was when topped with chilli oil. The only dish I’d order over and over again.

Make bruschetta red again

Cuore del Vesuvio tomatoes + smoky heart of burrata

As in reads. Dare I say the mushroom room (in season now) would be better.

Flower power

Deep-fried courgette flower beignets + saffron dip

Mmmmm. Expected more to be honest.

Looking forward to the new location in Covent Garden.

Circolo Popolare, 40-41 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HX