Mexican restaurant and tequila bar coming to Chelsea
A new Mexican restaurant and tequila bar is coming to Chelsea in September. Owned and operated by Fairburn Capital, Ixchel will transport diners and drinkers to the Yucatan Peninsula, bringing the taste of Tulum to King's Road.
The menu has been designed by Mexican-born head chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez. It centres on an all-day tapas-style offering, with Gonzalez drawing on previous experience at the Michelin-starred Brat in Shoreditch, Ella Canta in Mayfair, Dulce Patria in Mexico City (where she worked under renowned chef Martha Ortiz) and, most recently, Madera at Treehouse London.
The restaurant offers a twist on traditional plates such as ceviches, tacos and tostadas. Sharing dishes take centre stage, with options including fried fish heritage corn quesadillas with carrot and cabbage pickles, cod and spicy mayo; Albacore tuna sashimi with Ponzu toreada sauce; Granny Smith apple on corn tostadas; and cheese- and herb-stuffed pasilla chilis with slow-cooked salsa roja, toasted peanuts and garlic oil.
Larger plates offer an assortment of salads and mains such as heritage tomato and cactus salad with toasted pinenuts, basil pesto and white balsamic glaze; black tiger prawns and fresh squid zarandeado skewers with fresh radish, charred red onion, green chorizo corn quesadilla and molcajete sauce; and charcoal pork ribs wrapped in banana leaf with dark beer-roasted new potatoes and corn tortillas, all made on the Robata grill.
The hidden bar is set to have one of the largest collections of agave-based liquor in Europe, with a vast list of premium tequilas and mezcal, sourced directly from artisan distilleries in Mexico.
Ixchel is named after the Mayan goddess of the moon and textiles, with the venue's interior design also drawing inspiration from this. The symbol of the moon will be highlighted throughout the venue, which will also be adorned with brass handles and bespoke tiling, while contemporary macrame will pay homage to Ixchel's weaving.
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