Page last updated on 25th April 2025
Asia and Gianluca Capilungo, owners of Capilungo in London
Our Small Business Focus feature puts the spotlight on local business owners who talk about how they use their smart meters, how they manage their energy costs and other helpful tips. In this edition, siblings Asia and Gianluca Capilungo talk about what it's like to run a family business...
Asia and Gianluca Capilungo share their story...
Capilungo is a family-run Italian café and restaurant, based in Covent Garden, run by siblings Gianluca and Asia Capilungo. The family business was founded in Lecce in Italy in 1991, and opened in London in 2024. The business is a café by day and a wine and cocktail bar by night.
How do you manage your energy costs?
Energy is one of the biggest overheads for any hospitality business. We try to be smart about how and when we use it - from switching to LED lighting to keeping a close eye on kitchen efficiency. We also train the team to be mindful of things like turning off unused equipment or leaving the lights on at night! It’s all about building good habits and finding small ways to cut waste.
How important is sustainability to your business?
Sustainability is a core part of how we run Capilungo. As a restaurant, we rely so heavily on the natural world - whether it’s the ingredients we cook with or the energy that powers our kitchen.
So we feel a strong responsibility to do things thoughtfully. That means reducing food waste, working with local suppliers wherever we can, and using energy more efficiently. It’s not just better for the planet - it’s better for the long-term health of the business too.
How does your smart meter help your business?
The smart meter has been a really useful tool. It gives us clear, online information we can use to track our energy use. That means we can see patterns over time, spot when usage is unusually high, and make adjustments quickly.
It’s helped us be more proactive in managing costs and avoid those ‘bill shock’ moments at the end of the month. It also gives us more confidence when budgeting. We know what we’re using and when, so we can plan better.
Having that level of visibility might seem like a small thing, but in a business like ours, small things add up. It’s helped us feel more in control of an area that can otherwise feel unpredictable.
How has your business changed in the past year?
This past year has been one of growth and evolution. We’ve refined our offer, both in terms of food and experience. One of the most exciting changes has been the launch of our Italian-inspired brunch menu - it brings a Mediterranean twist to weekend dining, blending classic brunch favourites with the flavours we grew up with. Guests have really embraced it, which has been so rewarding.
Looking ahead, we’re introducing a new Pasta & Small Bites menu in the evenings — think hand-rolled pasta, seasonal antipasti and cicchetti (small bites) inspired by traditional Italian osterias. It’s all about bringing the vibes and hospitality of our Uncle’s business in Lecce, Puglia to London.
What is the best — and hardest — part of being a small business owner?
The best part is the freedom to build something that truly reflects who you are. Every choice, from the food on the menu to the way we welcome guests, is a chance to express our values. There’s also huge satisfaction in seeing our regulars come back week after week and watching our team grow in confidence and skill.
The hardest part? It’s the weight of responsibility. You’re constantly juggling roles - from head chef to HR to handyman - and the pressure can be relentless. The hours are long, the margins are tight, and things don’t always go to plan. But when you care deeply about what you do, you find the resilience to keep going.
Watch: Deborah Meaden meets Asia and Gianluca
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Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and businesswoman, walks into the sibling-run small business ‘Capilungo’. It’s a lovely cafe bar based in London, and she’s here to meet the owners Gianluca and Asia Capilungo.
Deborah: New research of family business owners reports saying different generations working together is key to growth, and the varying skills they have between them helps their businesses to thrive.
Deborah: That's everything, from the work ethic, industry knowledge and the mentoring skills of the older generation. With the younger focussed more on things like social media, digital marketing, innovation and tech, like smart meters.
Deborah: There's also loyalty and shared family values, as well as trust and emotional support.
Gianluca: The business started about a year and a half ago, after a very long planning journey. And taking over the legacy of our family and our uncle’s business.
Asia: Gianluca is great running the front of house operation, whereas I am more at the back.
Deborah: But challenges for small business owners remain with over half saying they're struggling with rising running costs and are finding energy bills difficult to manage.
Asia: It’s been challenging recently as the rising costs of pretty much everything has gone high. From raw product to energy. We look at our peak times where it gets more expensive.
Deborah: Putting all the challenges to one side, business owners remain optimistic, are confident that younger family members will take up the reins and their businesses will remain in the family.
Gianluca: We really hope to pass on what we’re building to the next generation.
The message ‘Get a smart meter for business’ fades onto the screen. To book your installation today, please use the search bar atop the page. Eligibility may vary.
To read more about Deborah's advice for small businesses, and about her time spent talking to Asia and Gianluca, click here.
How can you request a smart meter for your small business?
Simply enter your energy supplier in the box below and we’ll connect you. If your business works with a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) or broker, please contact them directly to request your smart meter.
FAQs
How long does installation take?
Installations normally take about two hours and are arranged in advance so that you can make any necessary arrangements beforehand to ensure minimal disruption to your normal business operations.
Can I get a smart meter if my small business is in a rented premises?
Yes. If you pay the energy bills you can make the decision about whether to get a smart meter. If your landlord pays your energy bills, speak with them about getting a smart meter for your building.
You may need to check with your landlord that any changes to your meter are allowed within your rental contract.