Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Luca has transformed its Clerkenwell bar into a tranquil morning café in partnership with Monocle. Olivia Palamountain reports

Modern Italian restaurant, Luca, has launched transformed its bar into "The Reading Room", in collaboration with lifestyle magazine, Monocle.

The Reading Room is an early morning café that celebrates "slowness and consideration", offering complimentary coffee and pastries alongside curated reading materials every Tuesday to Thursday morning.

Executive chef Robert Chambers has created special Amarena cherry Bakewell tarts for the occasion, using Italy's iconic Fabbri cherries. These are served alongside coffee in a setting inspired by traditional Italian breakfast bars.
Guests can browse the latest issues of Monocle magazine, The Forecast and the Alpino newspaper while enjoying their morning refreshments at the screen-free space.

Luca’s co-founder Johnny Smith says: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with our friends at Monocle to offer our guests a sanctuary for early January mornings. It’s a small way for us to thank them for all their on-going support, and we hope this allows them to start their year with intention.”

The Reading Room operates from 8am to 9.45am on weekday mornings except Mondays and Fridays. Entry is free but subject to availability, with no reservations taken.