Hackney is about to get a fresh new foodie hotspot as Rocola opens its doors on Mare Street on 8th July. Created by the team behind Crudo Cocina Latina and Tiny Wine, this isn’t just another neighbourhood restaurant – it’s a place designed to change, evolve and keep diners coming back for something new.
Founded by Maria Yanez and Carlos Socorro, the duo behind Crudo Group, Rocola takes its name from the Spanish word for “jukebox” – a fitting nod to a venue where the menu, music and atmosphere are always changing, while the welcoming vibe stays the same.
At its heart is an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs at work, alongside a lively bar pouring carefully chosen wines and Latin-inspired cocktails. The permanent menu takes inspiration from Southern Europe and Latin America, with seasonal sharing plates, crudos, snacks and larger dishes made for long lunches and even longer dinners.
But it’s the rotating kitchen concept that really sets Rocola apart. A packed calendar of guest chef residencies, wine tastings, music nights and creative collaborations means every visit promises something different.
Kicking things off is Dublin-born chef Nico Reynolds, whose acclaimed Lil Portie pop-up blends Jamaican heritage, Irish produce and South American influences. Expect colourful dishes bursting with flavour, from prawn causa and summer squash tiradito to jerk lamb shepherd’s pie coxinha, plus a tropical mango cheesecake to finish.
The interiors match the concept perfectly, with exposed concrete, warm lighting and an industrial feel that keeps the focus firmly on the food, drinks and the buzz of the room.
Whether it’s stopping by for a glass of wine at the bar, settling in for a guest chef’s menu or discovering a new favourite dish, Rocola is set to become one of East London’s most exciting new openings – and one that’s never quite the same twice.
Crudo, 143 Mare Street,E8 3FW , Mare Street, London
