by Paola Butera
There are places that are not merely commercial businesses, but silent guardians of a city’s collective memory. Places that have seen generations pass by, crossed glances, and hosted laughter. One of these is undoubtedly Le Logge, the historic venue in Piazza Quaranta Martiri which, this past May 1st, finally reopened its doors, rediscovering its brightest light. The true magic of this reopening lies in the story of the man who decided to bet on it: Francesco Henderson Pepe.
A Roman director, Francesco brings to Gubbio the experience gained also as a screenwriter and creative director of the Rome Film Festival. Although born in the shadow of the Colosseum, he is to all intents and purposes an “eugubino” by adoption. His bond with this land is a story that begins in early childhood.
Since his first steps, in fact, Francesco frequented Gubbio to stay with his grandmother, who chose to live here after retirement in the family property. That farmhouse, thanks to the care of his parents, has today become the nest where he has set down roots.
But for Francesco, Le Logge is not just any place: in fact, it was the bar where he used to come as a child with his grandmother, and that bond was never broken. Pushing him to move here was the realization of a dual dream: bringing to life a film project, set almost entirely in Gubbio, followed then by the opportunity to take over the very bar of his childhood, transforming it into a cultural hub and a trendy bistro.
Francesco’s soul is thus split in half, between the Capital and the Umbrian territory, a duality also celebrated in the venue’s new logo. The sign, in fact, depicts two she-wolves: one represents his Roman heart by birth and education, the other represents the “eugubina” soul which, in Francesco, is also reflected in the Franciscan spirit with which he identifies. At Le Logge, the taste of the territory blends with modernity: from breakfast to the aperitif, the true revolution of the venue lies in its gastronomic offering, designed for those seeking a quick break, an original brunch, or a refined aperitif, without ever sacrificing quality. Francesco strongly wanted the soul of Gubbio and Umbria to be reflected in the menu, reinterpreting the concept of a “quick meal” by savoring the excellence of local raw materials. This is why, even for a rapid meal or a sandwich on the go, the selection is meticulous.
Space is thus given to renowned local cured meats and the unmistakable scent of truffle, perfect for enhancing the culinary tradition of the territory in a modern key. These are accompanied by an aperitif, to be enjoyed in the reserved and cozy private room or in the outdoor seating area, where local tradition dialogues with the trendiest cocktails. The drink list, in fact, includes sophisticated cocktails based on exotic fruits and tropical notes, focusing on the union of local food and international drinks.
An experience to be lived in a venue that is not just a bar, but a meeting point for citizens and tourists, where good food marries art. A piano also stands prominently in the venue, ready to give life to events, live music, and cultural evenings. With the reopening on May 1st, Gubbio has not only found a piece of its history again but has gained a vibrant and contemporary space.
Le Logge starts again from here: from the energy of a young director who has chosen to write right here, amidst authentic flavors and musical notes, his most beautiful screenplay.
Info: Le Logge Antico Caffè Bistrot – Piazza dei Quaranta Martiri, 40, 06024 Gubbio PG – Tel. 338 254 3893
