KOL, the highly anticipated debut restaurant from Mexican chef Santiago Lastra, is set to open in March 2020, making its home in the historic heart of Marylebone.
Following more than a year of searching for the perfect location, Santiago and his team have received the keys to the 4,600ft, two-storey space, located in picturesque Seymour Street.
KOL, taken from the Spanish word for cabbage (col), represents Santiago’s belief that the simplest things can be made extraordinary if treated with the care and attention they deserve.
Guests at the restaurant can expect a vibrant and innovative take on Mexican tradition, a culmination of ideas and techniques developed from extensive exploration of Mexico’s culinary hotspots and heritage.
Designed by A-NRD studio, the homely interiors of KOL will reflect the vibrant colour palate of the rural Mexican landscapes, villages and homes where Santiago has spent time researching and refining his craft, with notes of Nordic minimalism.
The first floor will house KOL’s 56-cover dining room and state-of-the-art open kitchen, located in the centre of the room. The kitchen will comprise of three exquisitely crafted islands, positioned around a towering chimney hearth and seamlessly integrated into the main dining space.
A tortilla station complete with a traditional comal grill will see Santiago and team demonstrate the lost art and sleight of hand required to create the mother of Mexican delicacies.
A specialist mezcal bar, Mezcaleria, will be located on the lower ground floor, and will serve extensive list of artisan mezcals and rare agave spirits, which will be on offer alongside a selection of cocktails.
Adjacent to the bar will be KOL’s 20-cover chef’s table. This private dining experience, boasting large windows looking through to the restaurant’s second kitchen, will allow guests to enjoy front row views of the chefs at work.
