Two minutes with Artem Login, the founder of MAD Restaurants
What draws you to Soho as the setting for your venues?
It’s central, international and always a step ahead. It’s home to an incredible mix of people, cultures and some of the city’s most exciting hospitality concepts. And Soho isn’t new territory for us. We’ve been here with L’ETO Café since 2011, so in many ways, it feels like home. We’ve watched the neighbourhood evolve, and it’s exciting to be part of its next chapter.
Live-fire cooking is at the heart of both of your restaurants — what appeals to you about this style?
There’s something incredibly primal and irresistible about it. The smell of smoke, the sound of sizzling food, the warmth of the flames. It takes you straight back to those memories of barbecues and gathering around a campfire with friends. Fire brings an energy and flavour that you simply can’t recreate any other way.
What sets ROOM86 apart from the rest of London’s nightlife scene?
ROOM86 is our little underground universe in the heart of London, where you can experience an exceptional sound system and discover incredible local artists in an intimate setting, without the pretence of traditional nightlife. It’s about our Roommates, our community of artists and music lovers who share a genuine passion for sound and culture. I see this as the start of a movement that can grow far beyond Soho and find its place on the global music scene.