Few places bring people together quite like a great neighbourhood pub. Warm, welcoming and full of familiar faces, they're where celebrations begin, conversations linger and communities grow.

For the Spiteri family, that vision became the inspiration behind The Latimer, their newest venture and a fresh take on the classic British pub. Thoughtfully designed with a focus on exceptional food, great wine and genuine hospitality, it's a place created to bring people together and feel part of the neighbourhood from day one.

We sat down with Jon and Melanie to talk about the journey to opening The Latimer, the vision behind the space and what they hope it will become for the local community.

You’ve both spent years working in the hospitality industry. For anyone who doesn’t know you, can you tell us a little about your backgrounds and how the idea for The Latimer came about?

Melanie: I’d initially worked in the arts but after having children I moved into restaurants and was lucky to be able to take over from Jon at The French House Dining Room in Soho when he left to found St John, becoming partners there with Margot Henderson.  We moved on to create an international catering business (Arnold & Henderson) and then opened Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch back in 2004.

Jon, Fin and Lorcan had been talking about doing something together that combined food and bar which made a pub seem a good idea, then finally late last year when The Latimer came on the horizon we decided that it would be great for it to be a family business, so Molly and I became involved too.

When you first imagined The Latimer, how did you want it to feel?

M & J: Comfortable, welcoming, kind of proper pub too, little round tables and stools in the bar area, friendly, flexible. 

Is there one detail, dish or corner of the pub that you’re particularly proud of?

Melanie: Love it all obviously, maybe our exterior painting and signage, we worked really hard, with Julian Roberts of Irving & Co, to get that to the right place. It says traditional pub, but with simple detailing and some modern elements - our dog on the sign is a nod to the now-gone greyhound racing at nearby White City and was drawn for us by Fin and Lorcan’s tattooist.  I also love our mural, by Tanya Thompson.

What do you think gives The Latimer its own personality?

Melanie: I think everything we’ve done, that we’re all involved, the size and location and our local community who are brilliant.

Looking ahead, what would you love The Latimer to become known for?

Jon: The first of many pubs that have the same ethos of great affordable food and drink serving a loyal and local clientele.

Finally, you’re both often wearing FINLAY. Which frames do you find yourselves reaching for most, and what do you love about them?

Melanie: I’m wearing Wallace which I love but, I've also just added a pair of the Hamilton sunglasses with prescription orange lenses to my collection and I love them. They’re light and really comfortable to wear, the lenses are great, the colour tint makes everything look bright and gay, but still with proper, effective sunscreening. And I like to think they look good on me!

Jon: I love my Carnaby's that remind me of Steve McQueen bombing about in Bullitt!  The blue tint makes me happy!