The Green Room

CASA DO FRANGO, 31-33 HEDDON STREET, LONDON

Casa do Frango has opened yet another site in the city in addition to its London Bridge and Shoreditch locations. The brand’s flagship and largest establishment to date, Casa do Frango on Heddon Street is the proud host of an underground, speakeasyinspired bar named – you guessed it! – The Green Room.

Complementing the expansive restaurant concept complete with a street level terrace and a light and a spacious dining layout,

The Green Room is perfect for pre and post-dinner drinks, otherwise posing as an interesting new spot in the neighbourhood. Here, guests can enjoy quality cocktails that, following Casa do Frango’s ethos, aim to deliver the essence of Portuguese culture.

Centred around the Algarvian staple recipes that have been perfected over time and inspired by Co-Founder Marco Mende’ upbringing in the Southern region, the dining menu at Casa do Frango Heddon Street mirrors that of the other sites. Accompanying the signature Frango Piri-Piri chicken dish, the menu features sharing plates such as Iberico Pork Croquettes and Bacalhau Fritters that showcase Southern Portuguese cuisine.

The interiors, designed by Alessio Nardi of A-nrd Studio, stay loyal to Casa do Frango’s signature vintage rustic style, reminiscent of the sun-bleached facades of the Algarve and the region’s humble roots. The design accents the building’s existing architecture with reclaimed wood flooring, blonde oak furniture, traditional tile friezes and decorative pieces from the region.

When it comes to the underground bar, Matt Varona, Group Beverage Manager at Casa do Frango, says: “The Green Room is a cosy, hidden sanctuary away from the crowds of Regent Street. The space is dimly lit, creating a tranquil, quiet spot to get lost in conversation with a cocktail in hand –away from the hustle and bustle of London. The fun playlist is inspired by the musical heritage that characterises the streets of Portugal.”

The Green Room serves as the perfect spot for those who are not ready to sit down for dinner, but would still like to have a snack alongside tasty drinks. At the bar, guests can enjoy a classic White Port & Tonic, Portuguese beer on draught, and a selection of cocktails with Portuguese twists. The Green Room also provides a rich, all-Portuguese wine list – including Casa do Frango’s own Vinho Verde, Boa Pinga, a lightly effervescent wine created by the team in collaboration with their friends at Quinta de Santiago.

Matt adds: “The menu concept is a refreshing take on the classics, whilst championing Portuguese spirits and liqueurs. The dishes served with the cocktail menu are Petiscos – with the likes of charcuterie, cheese, Tosta Mista (Portuguese ham and cheese toastie) and a mushroom toastie. The cocktails are unfussy and approachable with a mixture of fresh and preserved flavours with a

Portuguese influence – we like to say that our drinks don’t take themselves too seriously!”

What’s more, the team have planned a bespoke Valentine’s Day offering to entice customers on this special day. This offers a few extra options for guests to enjoy alongside their Casa do Frango favourites, including themed cocktails to really capitalise on the occasion.

Matt explains: “Our venue is somewhere that guests can visit every day as well as on special occasions like this.

“For Valentine’s Day, we’re looking to host a nice fizzy number with featuring some Portuguese Cherry Liqueur – think Kir Royale, tasty and easy to drink.”

While getting ready for the Month of Love, The Green Room have been working hard to develop a new cocktail list to further champion Portuguese spirits while bringing innovative flavours to their guests.

Concentrating on approachable drinks, the team wants to reinforce the concept of ‘a relaxed environment in the heart of central London’.

Advising our readers that are looking to succeed in the industry, Matt says: “Don’t over-complicate things, and focus on what you do well. Trying to appeal to everyone won’t work, particularly in an era of higher living costs, as people are more selective where they spend their money – aiming to get the best bang for their buck without compromising on quality. You need to have nailed the combination of experience with gastronomic skills to meet the needs of your audience.”

Casa do Frango will bring more sites in the near future, starting with an early 2023 launch for a brand new location in Victoria that will continue their mission of spreading Portuguese products, values and traditions.

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