We catch up with BM’s Enrico Pireddu to find out all about the new venue on the ground floor of YY London
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In 1968 sci-fi flick Barbarella, Jane Fonda’s eponymous character is at one point entombed in the Exsexsive Machine – a contraption intended to kill her with orgasmic waves of pleasure when some kind of diabolical tune is played by its creator, Durand Durand on his futuristic musical keyboard.
Fortunately, Barbarella proves too much for the dubious device, causing it to burst into flame to the profound disappointment of its creator.
When first broadcast on the BBC, a decade after its creation, the film was potent enough to immediately prompt a nascent pop trio in Birmingham to name themselves Duran Duran in honour of the antagonist and his piano-wielding ways.
While they’ve so far failed to kill anyone with the pleasure of their output (at least to our knowledge), it’s a demonstration of the movie’s power to inspire.
Even 57 years after it first hit the big screen, it remains a cultural icon with some clout.
How do we know? Well, Canary Wharf is about to get its very own Barbarella.
opening Barbarella at YY London
Located on the lower two floors of the YY London building in Reuters Plaza, the venue is set to open its doors on June 20, 2025, and already there’s a playfulness about proceedings.
Part of Big Mamma Group – which operates the likes of Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, Gloria Shoreditch and Carlotta in the capital – there’s a sense the east London venue will be every bit as larger-than-life as the camp classic that inspired its identity.
A conversation with Enrico Pireddu, managing director of Big Mamma’s operations across Europe, does little to suppress that notion.
Born in Sardinia, he studied electrical engineering before falling into hospitality and “going on an adventure in France”. Joining the company in its early days, he grew with them, taking charge of East Mamma in Paris in 2015.
“Then, in 2018, I went to London to open our first restaurant there, moving with my Argentinian wife who I’d met in Paris and my French cat,” said Enrico, who has since added “a beautiful English daughter to the mix”.
“Then I started as operations manager for the UK, London has been the biggest adventure of my life.
“There are so many brilliant professionals and you can learn a lot.
“When I became managing director in the UK, I tried to bring everything I learnt to it.
“The key is to know your market and knowing what to do to make a difference.
“It has not always been easy and I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I’ve learnt a lot about business, leadership and I’m still learning every day.”
growth and expansion
Big Mamma feels very much on an upward trajectory.
Canary Wharf will be its 30th restaurant, having already seen venues open beyond the capital in Birmingham and Manchester.
But rather than stick to replication, the group’s approach relies instead on tailored offerings.
“The restaurants are all different and we’re very site driven, so we have to feel the vibe,” said Enrico.
“Barbarella is on the waterfront – it has two floors and there are many things that make you feel it’s a great opportunity.
“The idea for the restaurant is to reflect the golden age of Italian cinema and its eccentricities.
“It’s a world we want people to step into.
“Canary Wharf is a fascinating area – it changes very fast, it has a lot of life and culture.
“We’ve been watching its transformation and a lot of our chefs in London have lived in the area.
“Many have asked to come and work in Barbarella.”
stories of the interior
At this stage, we can neither confirm nor deny the presence of an Exsexsive Machine on the premises.
It’s also unclear whether the playlist will include all of Duran Duran’s back catalogue, or just a few of the hits.
What we do know is that there will be chocolate brown silk walls, a mirrored bar, a three-metre wide amber chandelier, silver curtains, a mirrored reception desk, a chromed lounge and a gold-framed open kitchen.
The latter will be the domain of Roman chef Marco Rastelli, hailing from the same city where producer Dino De Laurentiis built his original studios, home to Barbarella and countless other vivacious shoots.
“The food is a very important story,” said Enrico.
“Everything is homemade and we’re very proud of it. We might have an idea what we want to do, but we also change depending on the chef. We take inspiration from everywhere.”
Diners can expect a series of “twisted classics” including the likes of Italian tomato tatin with Parmigiano cream and a pizza selection that changes daily.
Secondi include buttered Cornish lemon sole filleted tableside to share and a selection of steaks from butcher Phillip Warren, ranging from a tender fillet to a 1.2kg T-bone.
beyond spaghetti
“Personally, the first thing I’ll be ordering is the metre-long spaghettone,” said Enrico, praising the extra-thick version of spaghetti that’s perhaps set to be the restaurant’s signature dish.
“We also have a big wine list, all Italian, with a lot of big-name labels.
“To round things off, I’d probably have the tiramisu with a pistachio espresso martini.”
Even though much of the branding is slanted towards the sexy, glam 1970s camp of the kind of film that inspired its name, Barbarella also aims to be a welcoming environment for all.
“You can definitely bring your whole family here,” said Enrico.
“We will provide everything you need when you’re out with the family at the weekend.
“For example, Sunday lunch is inspired by when your grandmother invites you and everyone else over – that long table with the whole family sitting together.
“We have a lot of families on Sunday in our restaurants and we love them, whether that’s a booking for three people, four, seven, eight or even 50.”
While much of Barbarella remains under wraps for now, the potted jungle that has arrived outside is a statement of intent –a wild counterpoint to the comparatively neat Eden Dock. This place could well be a riot.
key details: Barbarella
Barbarella is set to open at YY London in Canary Wharf’s Reuters Plaza on June 20, 2025.
Those seeking more details should subscribe to Big Mamma’s newsletter for
further updates. You can also find details of the group’s other restaurants in London on its website.
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