Our story, from the East Med to London
A tale of Eastern Med family life and big-hearted hospitality
Founded by friends Tasos Gaitanos and Alex Large, the inspiration for Brother Marcus has always been the abundant warmth and generosity found in the communities of the East Med.
Having spent his childhood summers working in his family’s restaurant in Crete, Tas brought Alex over to experience the fun firsthand. This meant sun-soaked family barbecues, with Alex being fussed over by the grandmas, while Tas and his uncles refined their recipes.
Bringing the sunshine back to London, one dish at a time
Back in London, Tas and Alex simply wanted to share the joy – or ‘kefi’, as they say in Greece – of the region through their love of the delicious food and wine from across Crete, Cyprus and beyond.
On a wet Sunday in April 2016, they got the keys to their first place in Balham, and were cooking up a storm by the time they opened three days later. Balham started as a café by day while Tas and Alex were running their own supper club by night.
But why the name?
Well, Alex’s legendary little brother Marcus makes friends with just about anyone he meets. Alex loved to share funny stories about him, always starting with: “So, Brother Marcus was…” It became an inside joke, and sure enough, the name stuck. What better way to capture the warmth and hospitality of the East Med than to name the restaurant after him?
Now there are eight Brother Marcus restaurants across London, dishing up everything from feel-good weekday breakfasts and lunches, to grown-up cocktails and mezze in the evenings, to chilled out brunches at the weekend.
With their backgrounds in photography, acting and entertainment, Alex and Tas place an emphasis on beautiful food, and the art and theatre of hosting.
Have a cocktail on us when you sign up and become a Friend of Marcus. Choose from our signature Mavro Daiquiri or a Pentire Paloma.
