Korean-American chef Akira Back to open two restaurants and bars at the new Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

2^nd February 2023

Food & Travel Desk

Food & Travel Desk

2 February 2023

Korean-American chef Akira Back will oversee two restaurants and two bars at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which is set to open in London the upcoming spring. The hotel is a luxury boutique property comprising 50 guestrooms and 77 private residences and is situated in Hanover Square, just off Oxford Street.

An enticing range of restaurants and bars, devised by Back, will be coupled with Mandarin Oriental’s sought-after service, thereby providing an unparalleled customer experience. The chef is responsible for the food and beverage offerings of the 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 a chic outlet which sits in the heart of the hotel, with dishes inspired by Back’s Korean heritage and his modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine.

Comprising 148 seats, including three private dining rooms, this will be the largest outlet in the hotel and offer a menu comprising some of the chef’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 breath-taking 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. Back 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 restaurants open in Paris, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Seoul and Singapore.

Born in South Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Back 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 he 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 Back’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, the chef 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.”

The hotel’s 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.”

The food desk