The owners of a Michelin-rated restaurant in Bristol have announced plans to open a second venue. Mark and Karen Chapman, who run Cor in Bedminster, will open a new restaurant in Wapping Wharf in April.
The new venture, called Luca after the couple’s first son, will be based around an Italian sharing plates concept.
Posting to Instagram, the couple said: “Named after our first son, bringer of light, Luca is a love letter to the wonderful food, culture, warm hospitality and adventure experienced in Italy. A place that will always be very special to us.
“Focused on quality ingredients, prepared simply, with love. Come alone or with colleagues for an aperitif, for a full family feast or just a slice of our infamous tiramisu. We will have a reservation system, but walk-ins and spontaneous visits are always encouraged.”
Since opening in October 2022, Cor has become one of Bristol’s top flight restaurants. It has attracted rave reviews from the likes of national critics like Tom Parker-Bowles and appeared in the Good Food Guide and Michelin, which awarded it a prestigious Bib Gourmand for ‘good quality, good value cooking’.
Karen and Mark Chapman met working in hospitality in Australia before returning to Bristol. Mark previously cooked at Bristol restaurants Bravas and Gambas before deciding to open his own business with Karen.
In the first Luca Instagram post, the couple said: “The team behind COR will be bringing you sharing plates in a welcoming atmosphere alongside excellent wine and cocktails, with a greater focus on Italian cuisine and culture. We cannot wait to share the new chapter with you.”
Luca will open on April 25.