Il Fresco di Peroni, inspired by Renaissance Rome, is popping up in Covent Garden this May bank holiday

Creating London’s newest landmark, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, the UK’s most-loved premium lager brand* today launches, Il Fresco di Peroni, a spectacular Italian Renaissance-inspired optical illusion artwork, that serves the perfect half pint of premium lager to visitors in the heart of Covent Garden.

Blending classical art with modern Italian style, the 3D artwork has arrived within the Piazza to depict “The Creation of Aperitivo”, paying homage to Italy’s cherished early-evening ritual. But this isn’t just a painting to admire. Created by a group of multimedia artists, ‘JOY! Collective’, Il Fresco di Peroni transforms Renaissance art into an immersive experience – part artwork, part optical illusion, part bar. Taking over 520 hours to paint, it was created by a team of 13 artists over 65 days, resulting in a masterpiece inspired by Italian aperitivo.

Visitors are invited to step into the hand painted scene, sit at the table for a live aperitivo moment, and enjoy a complimentary crisp, refreshing half pint of Peroni Nastro Azzurro which is poured directly from the creative. The artwork was officially unveiled by effortless icons of British style, David Gandy and Leomie Anderson, who served up the first pour before it opens to consumers from the 30 April 2026 at 12pm.

As a beacon of Italian style, Peroni Nastro Azzurro has changed the way beer lovers think about beer for over 20-years, and today’s launch marks a celebration of the early evening social occasion which is trending within UK restaurants and bars across the country. Showcasing a cultural shift in the UK, where Brits are increasingly choosing early evening social occasions over late-night plans and living their best Italian life.

According to research by OpenTable**, 6pm has become an increasingly popular time for dinner reservations, up 11 per cent in London and 6 per cent UK-wide, compared to the same period last year and the new average time to dine in the UK is as early as 6.12 pm.* Demonstrating how Brits are opting for earlier social times over later nights, these stylish, relaxed moments leave time for balance the next day as hospitality trends evolve.

Anja Gottschalk, Brand Director for Peroni Nastro Azzurro said: “We’re thrilled to launch this special experience for Londoners and visitors to the Covent Garden Piazza, seeking a mix of culture and great beer. Il Fresco di Peroni celebrates iconic symbols of Italian style, in a way that only Peroni can do. Bringing the beauty of a Roman fresco to London over a bank holiday offers visitors a truly special drinking occasion and something unique to marvel at.”

British Model, Activist and TV Host, Leomie Anderson commented: “No other beer does style in quite the same way as Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Who else could invite you to step into a beautiful Italian piece of art and be served a crisp, refreshing beer? The first taste is something special and for anyone in Covent Garden – Il Fresco di Peroni is a must visit.”

Icon of Style, Creative Director, David Gandy commented: “The ritual of Aperitivo is a beautiful occasion to stop and savour the moment with a great drink, quality food and company. As a globally recognised symbol of effortless Italian style, it has been wonderful to partner with Peroni Nastro Azzurro on such a dynamic experience. They’ve turned pouring a beer into a work of art and I’m thrilled to have been one of the first to experience it.”

The installation will be open [terms & conditions apply, entry limited to 18 years and over] for three days from Thursday 30th – Saturday 2nd May from 12pm through to 8pm each day.

Last month, March 2026, Peroni Nastro Azzurro presented ONLY Peroni, a visually arresting new global brand platform. Because, as the Peroni family said at its launch in 1963: “Peroni Nastro Azzurro is more than a beer, it’s an Italian masterpiece.” The campaign placed the much-loved Italian brand, shoulder to shoulder with legendary cultural symbols — the Trevi Fountain, The Birth of Venus, and Scuderia Ferrari.

Inspired by the charming Italian habit of downplaying something that is clearly perfect, each masterpiece is described as “ONLY a fountain”, “ONLY a painting”, and “ONLY a car”. Peroni Nastro Azzurro will continue to showcase ONLY Peroni across summer 2026 through its flagship brand partnerships at Royal Ascot (17-20 June) and BST Hyde Park Festival (26 June-12 July) and offer exclusive experiences via the Club Peroni app.