Stirring Things Up:
Gusto Italian’s Big Leap

Taking Italian Hospitality to New Heights

When Gusto Italian came to us, they weren’t just looking to expand their already thriving restaurant family. They wanted to push things further, adding a fresh twist to their much-loved formula while staying true to what makes Gusto special. With 12 locations under their belt, they had their sights set on new audiences. This time, it was Oxford’s historic streets, a shiny new spot in Nottingham, and a makeover for their Edinburgh home.

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Making Space for Every Story

The plan? Flexibility and personality. We reimagined their spaces to flow seamlessly through the day. Morning coffee in a sunlit nook? Check. Evening cocktails in a buzzing bar? Sorted. Each restaurant now boasts defined zones: sharer tables for celebrations, intimate booths for date nights, and community spaces for catching up over a good pizza.

At the heart of it all, the showstopper: Gusto’s signature olive tree. With its sparkling canopy, it’s more than just decoration—it’s a symbol of the Gusto experience.

The bars didn’t miss out either. By day, they hum with the relaxed vibe of an espresso counter. By night, the lights dim, the energy picks up, and they transform into cocktail hotspots. And those walls? Textures and coastal-inspired colours transport you straight to Italy.

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Pizza, but Make it a Performance

Let’s talk pizza. Gusto has always taken it seriously, so we leaned into that with kitchens designed as open stages. At their centre, glowing pizza ovens steal the show. For a little extra drama, we added chef’s tables where guests can roll up their sleeves, make their own pizza, and get stuck into the theatre of it all. It’s an experience made for sharing—both in real life and on socials.

A redefined Palette - inspired by the Italian Coastline

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The Oxford story

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Reviving the Mitre Inn in Oxford

The jewel in this crown was Oxford’s Grade II-listed Mitre Inn. With original 13th-century cellars and a rich history, the site had been empty since 2018. Bringing it back to life was no small task. Restoring timber panelling, intricate ceiling details, and features dating back centuries meant treading carefully, but we balanced that heritage with Gusto’s unmistakable style.

Outside, twinkling lights and lush greenery drew in passers-by, while inside, the warmth of navy and natural tones played beautifully against the building’s history. It’s old-world charm meets modern Italian chic, a pairing that feels as natural as Gusto’s menu.

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What Happened Next?

Let’s just say Gusto’s reinvention has gone down a treat. Guests are loving the flexible, personality-filled spaces that cater to everything from cosy dinners to big celebrations. Social media has lit up with posts about the iconic olive tree and those lively chef’s tables.

And the Mitre Inn? It’s quickly become a standout on Oxford’s dining scene, winning over locals and visitors alike. Gusto’s journey isn’t just about growth; it’s about evolving in all the right ways, and this is only the beginning.