6th March 2017 heralds the arrival of Mere, the eagerly anticipated first restaurant from husband and wife team, Monica and David Galetti, in partnership with WSH.
Located in London’s Fitzrovia at 74 Charlotte Street, Mere – pronounced Mary – is the long-term personal dream of the Galettis.
Monica explains, “Most chefs aspire to open their own restaurant and for me to have David by my side, is a dream come true. My passion for great seasonal produce and classic techniques will continue at Mere, but with my own take on the menus.”
Menus will focus on select favourites and feature a choice of just six dishes in each course that will change with market availability. For example, starters such as Scallop – Black Curry, Basmati, Lime, Kumquat and Puffed Rice followed by mains of Squab – Roast Breast, Confit Leg Pastilla, Cauliflower, Rhubarb and Ras el Hanout, and finishing with desserts such as Citrus and Yogurt – Blood Orange Mousse, Yogurt Sorbet, Lemon Confit, Sparkling Grapefruit.
Joining Monica in the kitchen will be long-term colleague and Head Chef Renée Miller.
The wine list will include special selections from both the old and new world, with specific additions of, for example, Bodega Catena 2014 – Mendoza, Argentina, through to reserve vintages such as Châteaux Margaux – First Growth – Margaux – Bordeaux, France 1982.
David explains “ The Sommelier team and I wanted the wine list to not only be accessible price wise, but also to offer a really great selection from both Europe and further afield. We have a carefully chosen list of Reserve Wines too for our guests, who may want something particularly specific or to spend a bit more.”
The interiors, created alongside Monica by London architecture and design company Soft room, will feature a modern, textural palette of blues and grey throughout, with accents of deep yellow.
The bar area on the raised ground level will accommodate up to 20 guests and will feature a mix of blue velvet and leather seating. An Indian granite-topped bar edged in patinated zinc, soft lighting and a contemporary bespoke rug help create a relaxed and comfortable ambiance.
The bar menu will showcase premium spirits and liqueurs, including whiskies and gins sourced from both New Zealand and France. A cocktail menu will celebrate an exciting mix of signature and seasonal cocktails, such as, Sauvelle Martini – Lillet White, Sauvelle crafted Vodka, Lime Juice, Sage; Rum Passion – Passoa, Havana Club 3 Years Old, Cranberry, Strawberries, Violet Syrup or Margarita – Tequila El Jimador, Cointreau, Lime Juice and will continuously evolve to reflect the changes in the season.
The lower ground restaurant will be accessed from a curved walled staircase and seat up to 64, with feature wide-plank, dark oak flooring, mirrored glass wall panelling and a secluded private dining room for up to 10 guests.
Disabled access will be provided by a lift.
Walls will also showcase the work by two of the Galettis’ favourite artists.
English artist, Warren Kerley has created a dramatic signature showpiece as you enter the bar area on the ground floor, that cleverly incorporates hundreds of metal cork tops from champagne bottles sourced by David from France.
A specially created traditional ‘siapo’, also known as a tapa cloth, has been designed and made especially for Monica in Samoa and will take pride of place above a banquette in the main dining room. More contemporary Samoan works by her cousin and the artist, Solomon Daniel, will also feature in the restaurant area.
Mere will be open Monday to Saturday, 12.00-14.00 for lunch and 18.00-22.00 for dinner.
Reservations will be open from the 30th January and can be made online here
