The couple behind Bristol neighbourhood restaurant COR are launching their second venture in the city this week – an Italian spot called Ragù, in Wapping Wharf.
Mark and Karen Chapman opened COR in North Street in October 2022, winning praise in this year’s Harden’s guide as a “stunning neighbourhood restaurant” serving Mediterranean-influenced food with “shades of the River Cafe”.
Sydney-born Mark describes Ragù as “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”.
The new restaurant was originally to be called Luca after the couple’s young son, but they were forced to re-think the name after receiving a legal letter from the well-known London restaurant of the same name.
The head chef and restaurant manager at COR, Vicki Colsell and Tallulah Small – both part of the team since the beginning – are stepping up the roles of executive chef and operations manager at Ragù.
The opening menu features a choice of seven antipasti; three primi including papardelle with wild boar ragù; and six main dishes cooked over fire, including whole red mullet with blood orange and a Florentine T-boine steak.
Ragù launches officially this Saturday, 5 April, following a soft opening on Thursday and Friday.
