FOOD & DRINK
INTRODUCING ORMER MAYFAIR BY SOFIAN
Ormer Mayfair by Sofian is destined to be one of the most exciting reopenings of 2021 and is the first solo project by exciting young chef , Sofian Msetfi . With a Michelin-starred kitchen brigade and brand-new tasting menus , this is refined , elegant dining at its best . No gimmicks , no try-too-hard food , just impeccable ingredients , treated with respect and perfectly plated .
Sofian has created three tasting menus – five-courses (£ 50 lunch only ) plus seven (£ 70 ) and nine-courses (£ 90 ), including vegetarian options . Menus reflect his Michelin-starred training ( Adare Manor , The Hand and Flowers , Midsummer House ), devotion to his craft , uncompromising standards and passion for British ingredients . The talent in the kitchen shines through the menus with Sofian supported by new Senior Sous Chef , Chris Hopkins ( previously of the two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston ) and current Senior Sous Chef Shaun Rankin-trained Thomas Moore .
Signature dishes include warm Ibérico ham with Parmesan , Bramley apple and nasturtium ; English asparagus , morels and Vin Jaune ; poached native lobster , Isle of Wight tomatoes , pine nuts and basil ; roast rack of Dorset lamb , confit of lamb breast , cucumber and dill ; and Abinao and tapioca tart with Pedro Ximénez sherry and salted milk sorbet . Vegetarian tasting plates include pearl barley risotto with garlic , Parmesan and puffed barley ; and a shallot tarte fine with confit garlic , chicory and sherry butter sauce .
A wine pairing menu is also available with bins expertly chosen to complement Sofian ’ s food by Sommelier Zareh Mesrobyan . Diners can finish their tasting experience by selecting a plate of British cheeses from the new dedicated trolley .
The quintessentially British , 1930 ’ s-inspired restaurant , designed by Tony Filmer , is awash with understated glamour and now boasts its own private entrance on Clarges Street . Exuding subtle sophistication , the dining room is lined with aged oak wood panelling , Carrara and Nero Marquina geometrical , monochrome marble floors and forest green velvet banquettes threaded with gold and British racing green . From hidden alcoves behind bronze and cast glass screens to long banquettes , tables are discretely distanced for comfort whilst those in search of complete privacy can book one of the three private dining rooms , seating from six to 22 , or take the affectionately known ‘ naughty table ’ concealed behind a heavy red velvet curtain .
Expertly made cocktails come from the adjoining Manetta ’ s bar . Reviving the name of the original hang-out at Flemings back in the 1930s , the stylish lounge bar recaptures the surreptitious spirit of a place where spies used to swap secrets and clandestine trysts took place .
Sofian and Chris join the existing team , every member handpicked by General Manager Henrik Muehle , and all committed to delivering a superlative experience , directed by the charming Food & Beverage Manager , Agnieszka Josko ( previously of The Greenhouse ).
The restaurant is open for dinner only on Wednesday and lunch and dinner Thursday to Saturday .
Book online at www . flemingsmayfair . co . uk or email ormerrestaurant @ flemings . co . uk
74 The Art of Luxury Issue 48 2021