Mercato Mayfair is playing a starring role in the hit BBC TV series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

In series two, episode four: London actor Stanley Tucci explores how Italian immigration has transformed the food scene in London where he’s lived for the past 10 years.

During the show, which was broadcast last night (23 October), Tucci visits Mercato Mayfair with Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo, who’s known for teaching Jamie Oliver everything he knows about Italian cooking.

Contaldo refers to Mercato Mayfair – a food hall housed within a deconsecrated church – as a “cathedral of food”.

During their visit to the food market in Mayfair’s North Audley Street, the pair head to Pasta Lovers to pick up some freshly made tagliarini, a long ribbon pasta, to cook later.

As the pasta is cut into strips, Tucci comments: “That is lovely. Have a look at the colour of that.”

Mercato Mayfair is home to several Italian eateries, including Badiani, which offers Italian gelato; authentic Neapolitan pizza joint Fresco; and Pasta Lovers, which serves up fresh and authentic pasta.

Watch Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy on iPlayer now.

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