London's dining scene is welcoming two extraordinary new additions that promise to redefine luxury hospitality in the capital.
Nammos and CÉ LA VI are both the vision of Greek-Emirati businessman Petros Stathis, whose Monterock International empire spans 18 countries and includes some of the world's most prestigious hospitality brands.
Unlike the celebrity restaurateurs who dominate today's headlines, Stathis operates as the quiet architect behind billion-dollar hospitality experiences. His portfolio includes partnerships with Nobu, Nusr-Et, One&Only, and AMAN hotels – including AMAN Venice, where George and Amal Clooney celebrated their wedding.
We caught up with Stathis to discuss his journey from Athens’ politics to global hospitality magnate, and why he believes London remains the ultimate prize for luxury dining.
Square Mile: Tell us about your early career in politics. How did advising on the 1996 Athens Olympics bid shape your business philosophy?
Petros Stathis: I was an advisor to the Minister of Culture and Sport in the run-up to the 1996 centennial Athens Olympics bid. It was an exciting time to be involved in the most important topic in Greece at that time. Though the bid ultimately failed, it taught me invaluable lessons about large-scale project planning and the importance of infrastructure in creating lasting experiences. That experience with real-world, complex projects allowed my inner business magnate to flourish!
You’ve built an empire worth an estimated billion dollars. What drives your investment philosophy?
I don’t do business for my pockets. I do business for my soul. There are few mantras that have stuck with me more. This philosophy explains why, alongside our core hospitality investments, you’ll find what others might call “passion projects” – AEK Athens FC, newspapers, airlines, even the long-term lease of Sveti Stefan island off Montenegro’s coast, once frequented by Richard Burton and Gina Lollobrigida.
Petros Stathis
Tell us about your discovery of Montenegro as a hospitality destination. What did you see that others missed?
This was around 2006. I was travelling a lot across the Balkans, and it was on this trip that I became enchanted by the wider region’s food, drink and culture of hospitality, and spotted an untapped opportunity in its food and beverage sector. Montenegro was hugely underdeveloped as a holiday destination, but there was huge potential to turn it into a luxury travel hotspot. So I got to work, opening high-end restaurants and hotels along the Montenegrin coast.
Nammos represents your first foray into actually operating restaurants rather than just owning the real estate. What made you take that leap?
Nammos was indeed the first time I’d built up my own international luxury brand rather than working with established names. The original Nammos in Mykonos has been operating since the 1960s – it’s family-run, beloved by locals and a small European jet set for its uniquely laid-back vibe and glorious Mediterranean food. I wanted to capture that essence and bring it to new markets.
Opening in Dubai in 2019, just months before COVID, must have been terrifying. How did you not only survive but thrive?
I noticed that Dubai didn’t have a luxury lifestyle Mediterranean F&B experience, yet it was – and remains – one of the most profitable restaurant locations in the world. So I decided that we should be the ones to bring the Med to Dubai. Despite the timing, Nammos Dubai cemented itself in the food scene and is now the highest-earning restaurant in the world – on track to make $71 million this year. As I always say: where the billionaires go, the millionaires follow, and then all the rest.
You’ve since expanded to Singapore with CÉ LA VI and have plans for the Maldives. How do you maintain brand consistency across such diverse markets?
Each location must feel authentic to its environment while maintaining our core values of luxury, quality and exceptional hospitality. CÉ LA VI started as the sky bar at Marina Bay Sands before going regional – we’ve preserved that sophisticated rooftop energy while adapting it to different cultural contexts. The key is understanding what makes each market unique.
Food at CÉ LA VI
Now you’re bringing both brands to London. Why here, and why now?
I know some people think London is in a bit of a funk right now, but in reality this is a city which has never been out of fashion – and never will be. London represents the ultimate test for any hospitality concept. The city has an unparalleled sophistication and diversity of dining experiences. Forget New York – if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere!
CÉ LA VI has opened in Paddington Square, and it is to be followed by Nammos in Knightsbridge. How will each location reflect its neighbourhood?
Each will have its own distinct character while maintaining our brand DNA. Paddington Square offers us the opportunity to capture both business travellers and Londoners looking for elevated experiences. Knightsbridge, with its established luxury retail and dining scene, is the perfect home for Nammos’ Mediterranean elegance.
What can London diners expect from the Nammos experience?
Authentic Mediterranean flavours presented with contemporary flair, impeccable service and an atmosphere that encourages lingering and celebration. We’re not trying to recreate Mykonos in London – we’re creating something that feels distinctly London while honouring the Mediterranean spirit that made the original so beloved.
Finally, what’s your ultimate vision for hospitality? What drives you to keep expanding?
Great hospitality creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a perfectly prepared dish, an unexpected moment of service, or simply the feeling that you’re somewhere truly special – these are the experiences that matter. That’s what we’re building across all our brands, and that’s what London will experience with Nammos and CÉ LA VI.
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CÉ LA VI London opened on Friday, September 12 and is located on the top two floors of 1 Paddington Square. More information and booking at ldn.celavi.com
