Lagana Shoreditch Review: Dua Lipa Hype Worth It? (2026)

Key Points

• Restaurant Launch: Lagana, a new Greek-inspired spot in Shoreditch, East London, opened by Pachamama Group on the former site of Pachamama East on Great Eastern Street.
• Concept Inspiration: Named after the Greek word for flatbread; focuses on simple ingredients (flour, water, yeast, olive oil, salt) for playful, casual Greek-style dining with sharing plates, dips, skewers, raw dishes, vegetarian options, and grilled meats.
• Key Figures: Group Executive Chef Tzoulio Loulai leads the kitchen; Brand Director Yaroslava Malkova emphasises ‘lived-in, expressive, emotionally-charged’ spaces; Managing Director Lunara Bramley-Fenton designed the ‘loose, childlike, deliberately naïve’ interiors.
• Dining Experience: Flatbreads pulled apart and dunked in dips; olive oil drizzled generously; meats passed around; cocktails named after colours with citrus notes; diverse wine list with simple descriptions.
• Reviewer’s Choice: Food writer Ina Yulo Stuve selected Lagana for her Greek-inspired birthday feast with girlfriends, praising its vibes, bountiful sharing plates, and no-one-leaves-hungry portions.
• Interior Highlights: Hardwood floors, stainless steel counters, paper tablecloths for a cool canteen feel; vintage chandeliers, playful art on a glass wall; crayons provided at tables for a carefree atmosphere.
• Standout Dishes: Pillowy flatbreads with dips like spicy feta and red pepper, anthotiro cheese with honeycomb and thyme-infused oil; seabass ceviche inspired by kakavia soup; beef tartare from kokkinisto stew; lamb belly with cumin yoghurt and tomato sauce; dry-aged picanha in its jus.
• Pachamama Group Background: Known for Bottarga, Zephyr, Nina; shifted from Peruvian to Aegean/Mediterranean flavours; aims to transport diners to foreign lands.
• Dua Lipa Connection: Buzzy spot reportedly approved by pop star Dua Lipa, adding to the hype.

Shoreditch (The Londoner News) April 27, 2026 – Lagana, the latest buzzy opening from Pachamama Group in East London’s vibrant Shoreditch, has sparked excitement among diners and celebrities alike, with reports of Dua Lipa approval fuelling its rapid rise. Food writer Ina Yulo Stuve chose this Greek-inspired restaurant for her ultimate birthday feast, praising its playful flatbread-focused menu and lively atmosphere that promises casual, unfussy Greek gatherings. As the spot takes over the former Pachamama East site on Great Eastern Street, questions swirl: does it live up to the hype?

What Inspired Pachamama Group to Launch Lagana in Shoreditch?

Pachamama Group, renowned for destinations like Bottarga, Zephyr, and Nina, unveiled Lagana as their most playful concept yet. As detailed in Ina Yulo Stuve’s review for Extra London News, the restaurant draws from the humble flatbread – Lagana in Greek – crafted from just flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt.

“This blank canvas is exactly what Pachamama Group was excited to work with,”

Stuve writes, highlighting how the group transforms simple origins into a world of possibilities.

The group’s mission, per Brand Director Yaroslava Malkova, is to create dining spots that whisk guests to foreign lands, even if only briefly. Malkova told Stuve:

“There’s a clear focus on building spaces that ‘feel lived-in, expressive, and emotionally-charged,’ where everything from the lighting to the service to the food is intentional and thoughtful.”

This marks a shift from their early Peruvian cuisine ventures to celebrating Aegean and Mediterranean flavours.

Lagana occupies the prime Great Eastern Street location, infusing Shoreditch’s street-food scene with Greek taverna energy. Stuve notes its electric vibe positions it as a natural evolution for the group.

Who Leads the Kitchen at Lagana?

Group Executive Chef Tzoulio Loulai helms the kitchen, inviting diners into authentic Greek-style feasting. As reported by Ina Yulo Stuve of Extra London News, Loulai’s vision evokes casual gatherings: flatbreads aggressively pulled apart and messily dunked into dips, olive oil drizzled with gusto, and sliced meats passed around amid conversations. The menu features punchy, crowd-pleasing sharing plates – skewers, raw dishes, vegetarian options, and grilled fare – ensuring bountiful portions.

Why Did Ina Yulo Stuve Pick Lagana for Her Birthday Feast?

Every year around her birthday, Ina Yulo Stuve plans dinners with girlfriends at fresh spots delivering good vibes and great food. For her Greek-inspired celebration, she chose Lagana, describing its ‘loose, childlike, and deliberately naïve’ soul – words from Managing Director Lunara Bramley-Fenton, who designed the interiors, as quoted in Stuve’s Extra London News review.

The space exudes a cool canteen vibe with hardwood floors, stainless steel counters, and paper tablecloths. Vintage chandeliers and playful art on a sprawling glass wall add character.

“As we take our seats, crayons are brought to the table, an invitation to leave your cares at the door and simply enjoy the evening,”

Stuve recounts.

Unlike many London sharers, Lagana’s plates are filling, ensuring no one leaves hungry. Pillowy flatbreads scoop up flavourful dips: the subtle saltiness complements a spicy feta and red pepper blend, while elevating anthotiro cheese with fresh honeycomb and thyme-infused oil.

Which Dishes Stood Out in the Review?

Stuve’s group devoured raw highlights like seabass ceviche, paying homage to Greek kakavia (fisherman’s soup), and a tomato-forward beef tartare inspired by kokkinisto stew. Grilled stars included tasty lamb belly slices with cumin yoghurt and tomato sauce, plus delightfully pink dry-aged picanha in its own jus.

“Cocktails are named after different colours, featuring a citrus-heavy line-up; the wine list is diverse, with simple descriptions for each offering,”

Stuve adds from her Extra London News piece. These elements amplify the unfussy, communal spirit.

How Does Lagana’s Interior Enhance the Experience?

Managing Director Lunara Bramley-Fenton crafted interiors that feel lived-in yet whimsical. Per Stuve’s review, the crayon-doodling on paper cloths fosters playfulness, contrasting Shoreditch’s edgier haunts.

The glass wall’s art and chandeliers blend nostalgia with modernity, aligning with Malkova’s emotionally-charged ethos.

Is Lagana Worth the Hype, Especially with Dua Lipa Buzz?

Social media whispers of Dua Lipa frequenting Lagana have amplified its buzz, positioning it as a celebrity magnet in Shoreditch’s competitive scene. Stuve’s endorsement – ticking boxes for vibes, novelty, and satisfaction – suggests yes for group celebrations. Yet, as a new opening, early verdicts hinge on consistency.

Pachamama Group’s track record lends credibility. From Peruvian pioneers to Mediterranean masters, they’ve nailed transportive dining. Loulai’s punchy flavours and Bramley-Fenton’s designs promise repeat visits.

What Makes Lagana Different from Other Shoreditch Spots?

Unlike polished sharers, Lagana embraces messiness: torn flatbreads, shared meats, generous drizzles. Its portions defy skimpy trends, and the childlike touches set it apart from stark minimalism. Stuve contrasts it with ‘many a London restaurant,’ noting its heartiness.

What Do Experts Say About Pachamama Group’s Vision?

Yaroslava Malkova’s quote underscores intentionality: every element thoughtful. Tzoulio Loulai’s Greek authenticity shines through kakavia nods and kokkinisto echoes. Lunara Bramley-Fenton’s ‘naïve’ aesthetic captures joy, per Stuve.