This September sees the launch of Ixchel, the highly anticipated Mexican restaurant and Tequila bar opening in the heart of Chelsea from Fairbairn Capital. Diners and drinkers will be transported to the exotic Yucatan peninsula as Ixchel brings a taste of Tulum to the iconic Kings Road.
Designed by Mexican born Head Chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, the menu consists of an all-day tapas style offering, boasting a diverse range of intoxicating flavours and aromas. Chef Gonzalez has previously worked at Michelin star restaurant, Brat in Shoreditch, Mexican restaurant, Ella Canta in Mayfair, Dulce Patria in Mexico City under renowned Chef Martha Ortiz and most recently Madera at Treehouse London.
Carefully crafted using locally sourced ingredients, the food brings the freshest flavours from Mexico with a twist on known and loved traditional plates like ceviches, tacos and tostadas. Ideal for groups, sharing dishes take centre stage which include: Fried fish heritage corn quesadillas with carrot and cabbage pickles, cod, spicy mayo, succulent and delicious Albacore tuna sashimi with Ponzu toreada sauce, granny Smith apple on corn tostadas and Cheese and herbs stuffed pasilla chilis with slow cooked salsa roja, toasted peanuts and fragrant garlic oil.
Larger platters come in the form of an assortment of salads and mains like a Heritage tomato and cactus salad with toasted pinenuts, basil pesto, white balsamic glaze alongside Black tiger prawns and fresh squid zarandeado skewers with fresh radish, charred red onion, green chorizo corn quesadilla, molcajete sauce as well as Charcoal pork ribs, wrapped in banana leaf with dark beer, roasted new potatoes and corn tortillas – all made on the Robata grill.
To compliment the culinary delights, the hidden Tequila bar is set to have one of the largest collections of agave based liquor in Europe, with a vast list of both premium Tequilas and Mezcal, sourced directly from artisanal distilleries in Mexico. With expert mixologists at the helm, guests can expect a wide array of innovative cocktail creations, meticulously crafted with the essence of the Yucatan in mind.
The drinks have been curated by award- winning mixologist, Kohl Marshall Duffield, from Urban Caprice, who brings years of experience both in the UK and international markets, with unparalleled expertise in the hospitality industry.
Ixchel is named after the Mayan goddess of the moon and textiles, with the design team taking inspiration from this, the symbol of the moon can be seen highlighted throughout the venue in beautiful brass handles and bespoke tiling around the bars, and the reeded ceiling and huge contemporary macrame paying homage to her weaving.
As guests step through the entrance, they are welcomed by a magnificent mural by Mexican based artist Rafael Uriegas, whose unique style blends ancient mythology with contemporary Mexican art. Walking further into the room, terracotta and stone tables are softened by luscious foliage and glazed planters, all leading the eye towards the Moon Bar. Here, the phases of the moon delicately glow whilst below the bar the movement of a giant raw snake can be seen wrapped around the base.
The venue is a contemporary and brutalist space designed by the talented team at Behind the Door Designs. These three women are the designers behind the award-winning Little Door Bars spread through West London, and they are bringing their fresh perspective and love of texture and bold choices to this exciting project.
Playing with the Mexican theme the designers have curated a collection of stunning hand-woven art works, contemporary sculpture and lighting by local Mexican artists and artisans. These works bring a layer of traditional craftsmanship to the contemporary and brutalist setting. Whilst the ground floor is a bright light space with floor to ceiling windows, a secondary downstairs space and bar boasts a moody and sexy setting that brings the timeless warm raw energy that Mexican culture evokes.
Multiple large tables both upstairs and downstairs mean that groups from 8 -12 can book for lunch or a night of mezcal fuelled fun. Cosy inbuilt tables with soft cushions for two makes Ixchel a perfect date spot on both floors, with low sofa seating and inviting space for more casual dining whilst sipping a delicious cocktail or two with friends. Bang & Olufson are the sound system partners who are decking out the restaurant with their sleek high-end speakers ensuring the musical offering is spot on throughout the space.
Fraser Carruthers, Founder & Managing Director of Fairbairn Capital said: “I think King’s Road has been missing something like this, so when the opportunity arose to open Ixchel, I leapt at the chance as I have had my eye on the site for a while. Keeping the vibe high, serving amazing food, great drinks with incredible music is what we are about. With elements that we know people love, adding modern Mexican flavours and flair into the mix is really exciting and I cannot wait for people to experience Ixchel.”
