Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that world-renowned chef, Akira Back, will make his UK debut at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London which opens this spring.
Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair is a sleek, boutique property comprising 50 guestrooms and 77 private residences and is situated on London’s historic Hanover Square, in the heart of the city’s most sophisticated neighbourhood.
An enticing range of restaurants and bars, devised by Chef Akira, will be coupled with Mandarin Oriental’s sought-after service, thereby providing an unparalleled customer experience.
This is a dedicated hotel project for Chef Akira, who is responsible for all of the food & beverage offerings in two cutting edge restaurants, a lounge, a rooftop experience and in-room dining.
The concepts will showcase a modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean-American influence that Back is well known for. Bar and restaurant interiors have been created by Tokyo-based Curiosity Design Studio.
The concepts:
Akira Back - All-day dining will take on new meaning in this chic outlet which sits in the heart of the hotel, with dishes inspired by Akira’s Korean heritage and his modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine, further influenced by his International travels.
Comprising 148 seats, including three private dining rooms, this will be the largest outlet in the hotel and offer a menu comprising some of Chef Akira's greatest hits, designed for sharing. These will include the ‘AB Tuna Pizza’, consisting of a wafer-thin crunchy crust, umami aioli made with ponzu sauce, tuna sashimi, micro shiso and white truffle oil.
The breathtaking triple height sky roof and circular marble staircase leading into the space will blend with decor inspired by the elements of earth, wind and water, designed to stimulate the senses.
Dosa – This will be the ultimate culinary theatre experience with contemporary Korean dishes expertly presented in an intimate 14-seater counter-style setting, using seasonal ingredients and cutting-edge techniques. Chef Akira has moved the concept to London from Seoul, where he received his first Michelin star.
ABar Lounge – This promises to be a unique, destination cocktail bar, with a contemporary design and buzzing atmosphere showcasing Akira Back’s exceptionally crafted small bites alongside an artistic cocktail programme. An exciting line-up of live DJs will perform in the evenings, making ABar Lounge the place to see and be seen in the heart of Mayfair.
ABar Rooftop – The Akira Back experience at Mandarin Oriental will not be complete without visiting ABar Rooftop. Offering a choice of epicurean delights, Asian influenced cocktails and panoramic views over London’s glittering skyline from the terrace, this will be the definitive location to enjoy Mayfair vibes.
The former professional snowboarder turned Michelin-starred chef, has a variety of successful restaurants open in Paris, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Seoul, Singapore and more.
Born in South Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Chef Akira enjoyed a successful career in winter sports before early retirement due to an injury. He discovered his new purpose and passion for creativity in the kitchen where Back learned his craft and developed his own unique style of cookery.
His dishes are influenced by the classical Japanese training he received, but also by his childhood experiences and travels around the world, bringing a sense of adventure and boundless creativity to his culinary creations.
Through Chef Akira’s love for food and sense of adventure, he has brought his most profound memories to life. Speaking about the partnership with Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, He said, “I am delighted to bring my dining experience to London for the first time. 'My mission statement has always been to create unforgettable memories for guests by revolutionising the dining experience through one-of-a-kind dishes and gracious service.
'These values are deeply engrained in Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s philosophies, a Group who delivers the highest quality guest experiences around the world. It is the perfect partner for my first UK venture.”
General Manager Susanne Hatje added, “We are excited to be opening in the heart of Mayfair and are thrilled to be partnering with Chef Back. His exceptional creations and boundless energy promise a culinary adventure for our guests, and we aim to make our hotel the place to be for local aficionados of enticing food and drink experiences.”
