Montcalm Mayfair: A London Culinary Destination Worth Visiting

One year on from its highly anticipated debut, Montcalm Mayfair has firmly established itself as one of London’s most exciting luxury dining destinations. As the flagship property of the Montcalm Collection, the five-star boutique hotel has spent the past year redefining contemporary hospitality in Mayfair, pairing refined accommodation with a culinary offering that continues to attract discerning diners from across the city.

At the centre of its success is Lilli by Akira Back, the signature restaurant from internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. Over the past year, the restaurant has earned a reputation for its inventive fusion of flavours, seamlessly blending premium seasonal British produce with the bold, vibrant influences of Chef Back’s Korean heritage. The result is a menu that feels both elevated and approachable — a modern interpretation of classic dining that has quickly become a favourite among London’s food scene.

The restaurant’s interiors remain just as captivating as the cuisine itself. Housed within the beautifully restored Georgian surroundings of Montcalm Mayfair, Lilli strikes a balance between timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. Warm green hues, organic textures, handcrafted furnishings and a dramatic statement chandelier create an atmosphere that feels intimate, polished and unmistakably luxurious.

Working alongside Akira Back, Executive Chef John Stawicki continues to lead the kitchen with precision and creativity, ensuring each dining experience lives up to the hotel’s growing reputation. One year since opening, Montcalm Mayfair and Lilli by Akira Back have proven themselves to be far more than new additions to London’s hospitality scene — they’ve become enduring destinations in their own right.

The Montcalm Mayfair Bar: A Journey Through Flavour

Adjacent to the restaurant, Montcalm Mayfair’s destination bar is a masterclass in creativity and innovation. The cocktail menu is a journey through England’s historic Georgian gardens, each drink a testament to the harmonious marriage of British horticultural flavours and Asian influences. Highlights include the Rose Negroni, which fuses the elegance of Japanese Sakura with the delicate essence of British roses, and the refreshing Summer Solstice, a non-alcoholic blend of spices and citrus inspired by sun-drenched orchards and tropical warmth.

The bar’s design is a visual feast in itself. A breathtaking ceiling mural, painted by artist Will Foster, evokes the delicate beauty of an ethereal garden, while an illuminated, curved glass gantry becomes the focal point of the space, casting a warm glow as the day transitions into evening. Bespoke chandeliers further enhance the atmosphere, creating an evolving ambiance that shifts seamlessly from the light of day to the allure of night.

Bloom: Intimate Dining with Artistic Flair

For those seeking an intimate, private dining experience, Bloom offers a serene retreat. This elegant private dining room draws inspiration from the beauty and vibrancy of a flourishing garden, providing a serene setting for gatherings of up to 14 guests. The room features organic textures, curated art pieces, and a striking centrepiece—a vibrant installation titled An Orange Tree by UK-based artist Lilia Orlova-Holmes. This captivating piece symbolizes wealth, optimism, happiness, strength, and stability, creating a deeply meaningful atmosphere for any occasion. Above, the hand-painted ceiling mural by Camille Rousseau completes the garden-inspired aesthetic, imbuing the space with intricate botanical artistry.

A New Standard in Morning Dining

Montcalm Mayfair’s breakfast menu offers a creative and exciting start to the day. Featuring unique flavours and seasonal ingredients, the menu reinvents morning dining with fresh, innovative offerings. Later in the year, guests can look forward to a seasonal tasting menu and a botanically-inspired afternoon tea, promising to deliver the same elevated culinary experience Montcalm Mayfair is known for.

Samantha van Exter, Head of Hotels at Montcalm Collection, sums up the hotel’s vision: “At Montcalm Mayfair, we’ve created a dining experience where innovation and artistry come together to delight both Londoners and our international guests. Chef Akira Back’s distinct culinary vision is at the heart of everything we do, and we’ve designed every element to surprise and inspire—from bold flavours to creative pairings and immersive settings that elevate every occasion.”

Montcalm Mayfair’s 151 luxurious guest rooms, three signature suites, and an array of world-class dining and event spaces make it the ideal choice for those seeking both comfort and sophistication in the heart of one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. The hotel reopens on April 1st, 2025, with a commitment to redefining luxury and culinary excellence in the capital.

For more information and reservations, visit montcalmcollection.com.