Lardo is a popular neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Hackney, known for its Italian-inspired menus, seasonal ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. Alongside its light-filled dining room and wine bar, the venue offers flexible event hire for everything from birthday parties and engagement celebrations to corporate gatherings, drinks receptions and private dinners.
At the centre of the Lardo's private events offering is the Bastardo Room, a dedicated wine bar and event space that can accommodate up to 28 guests for a seated banquet or 45 standing. Suitable for wine tastings, cocktail parties, product launches and networking events, the room can be adapted to suit a variety of occasions. Large industrial-style windows, abundant greenery and a more intimate ambience set it apart from the main restaurant, creating a cosy backdrop for private events.
The main restaurant offers a brighter setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows, neutral interiors, industrial-style filament lighting and an open kitchen framed by shelves lined with wine bottles.
Event menus at Lardo focus on Italian-inspired cooking made with seasonal ingredients. Guests can begin with homemade focaccia and olives alongside antipasti dishes such as saffron and vegan nduja arancini, artichoke flower with smoked romesco sauce, beef carpaccio and sea bass crudo with strawberry-spiced leche de tigre. Larger plates include courgette and pea risotto, crab linguine and a selection of pizzas, from classic Margherita and pepperoni to a carbonara-inspired white pizza. Sides such as polenta fries with truffle oil complement the menu, while desserts include tiramisu, chocolate tart and hazelnut gelato.
For daytime events, Lardo's lighter lunch menu features seasonal dishes such as roast apricot and tomato salad. Drinks include craft beers, regional spirits, bespoke cocktails such as the apricot mojito, cherry-smoked margarita and peach gimlet, alongside an extensive selection of wines.