British textile artist Kate Jenkins is transforming a Soho gallery into a spectacular Italian restaurant made entirely from yarn, crochet and contemporary craft.
London is getting a new Italian restaurant this November — but don’t expect to find anything on the menu.
Kate’s Knitalian, the latest immersive exhibition from British textile artist Kate Jenkins, will transform Air Contemporary Gallery in Soho into an entirely knitted and crocheted Italian trattoria and delicatessen, complete with pasta, parmesan, salami, seafood, pastries and cocktails.
Running from 1 November to 5 December 2026, the immersive installation will feature more than 100 new artworks, inviting visitors to step inside Jenkins’ wonderfully surreal interpretation of Italian dining.
A Restaurant Where Everything Is Made From Yarn
Rather than displaying artworks on traditional gallery walls, Kate’s Knitalian will create an entire restaurant environment from scratch.
Visitors can expect tables filled with painstakingly handmade versions of Italian favourites, including tangled spaghetti, plump ravioli, wheels of parmesan, strings of salami, seafood, cocktails and pastries.
Every detail has been created stitch by stitch, combining Jenkins’ signature use of knitting and crochet with the theatrical qualities of an Italian trattoria.
The result is part art exhibition, part interior and part theatrical set — with the familiar rituals of Italian dining reimagined through contemporary British craft.
According to Air Contemporary Gallery, the exhibition will also feature an interactive build-your-own pizza station, where visitors can choose their toppings as part of the immersive deli experience.
Kate Jenkins Brings Italian Craft to Soho
Jenkins has spent more than two decades turning everyday food into highly detailed textile artworks. Her practice combines humour with meticulous craftsmanship, transforming familiar dishes and ingredients into colourful works of art.
Her work has been exhibited internationally, while previous collaborations have included fashion, hospitality and lifestyle brands.
Most recently, Jenkins was commissioned by Hermès to create the opening windows for its new Maison flagship at 166 New Bond Street in London. The installation featured crocheted and knitted equestrian-inspired designs, including a knitted carrot chandelier, crocheted bridles, tiger lilies and a colourful “hooficure” bar.
Her food-inspired work has also previously been brought together in immersive environments, including her Café Kate installation at Rijswijk Museum in the Netherlands.
You can explore more of Jenkins’ work through Kate Jenkins Studio.
Balineum and Merchant & Found Join the Installation
The immersive restaurant will also bring together a number of British and international design collaborators.
London design studio Balineum will create bespoke Italian ceramic tiles designed by Jenkins specifically for the exhibition. Known for its handcrafted bathroom collections and collaborations with makers, Balineum will add another layer of material and design to the fictional restaurant.
Meanwhile, vintage furniture specialist Merchant & Found will provide furniture and restaurant accessories for the space. The company specialises in original vintage furniture, lighting and accessories, with pieces restored by hand in its Hampshire workshop.
Further creative partnerships are expected to be announced ahead of the exhibition’s opening.
“I’ve Always Wanted to Create an Entire Italian Restaurant in Yarn”
Speaking about the project, Kate Jenkins said:
“I’ve always wanted to create an entire Italian restaurant in yarn. Italy has always inspired me—not only through its food, but through its appreciation of craftsmanship, beautiful materials and the rituals that happen around the table.”
She added that visitors will be able to step into “a complete restaurant” where every detail has been considered, bringing together textiles, ceramics and interiors.
The ambition is to create an experience that feels less like visiting a conventional exhibition and more like entering a completely different world.
When and Where Is Kate’s Knitalian?
Kate’s Knitalian will take over Air Contemporary Gallery, located at 4 Ham Yard, Soho, London, W1D 7DT, in the courtyard of Ham Yard Hotel.
The exhibition runs from 1 November until 5 December 2026, with visitors able to book reservations online and two sittings taking place each day.
Kate’s Knitalian
Air Contemporary Gallery, 4 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT
1 November – 5 December 2026
More than 100 new textile artworks
Two sittings per day
Visitors can find further exhibition information and register for early access through Air Contemporary Gallery.
With its combination of food, fashion, interiors and contemporary craft, Kate’s Knitalian looks set to be one of London’s most playful art experiences this autumn — and one where the main course is, quite literally, made from wool.
