Public House Group to launch Italian restaurant

Public House Group has announced the arrival of its latest venue, an Italian restaurant in Notting Hill called CeCe's. 

Owners Phil Winser, James Gummer and Olivier van Themsche will open their most recent site at 123 Clarendon Road, a space formerlly occupied by Juan Santa Cruz's Casa Cruz restaurant. 

The owners say CeCe’s will bring a timeless, playful feel to west London when it opens on 4 March, pairing old school hospitality with a sense of secrecy and escapism.

The menu is rooted in classic Italian dishes, "with a hint of Hollywood". Dishes include an Aubergine Parmigiana, Bream Carpaccio with Caviar, Fonduta Agnlotti, Chicken Vignole and Bistecca alla Forentina.

"We want CeCe’s to feel glamorous and fun," says Gummer. "Somewhere our guests can come to escape the day to day and transport them to a different place and time."

Pub history

Before Casa Cruz, the building traded as a pub, which is what van Themsche says brought them to look at the venue.

"Initially, we looked at the space as it was once a pub, but we fell in love with the glamour and unique design. The surreal interiors and character hidden behind the copper door inspired us to create a restaurant that felt both current and exciting, while retaining the allure of traditional hospitality,"

The wine list features a selection of Italian wines, as well as a sizeable Burgundy and Bordeaux section, and classics from the rest of Europe and USA. Larger format bottles will also be available.

In June 2025, Public House Group's The Bull in Charlbury was named the UK's best pub at the National Pub & Bar Awards. Entries for the 2026 event close on Friday 6 March. 

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