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 Softroom, 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 only at www.mere-restaurant.com

Ends

For further media information, contact Elaine Spooner at Lotus on 020 7751 5812 office@lotusinternational.net

Notes to the editor

About Monica and David Galetti

• With a career as a chef already spanning 17 years in London, Monica Galetti rose to fame in 2009 when she joined the BBC competitive cooking show, Masterchef - The Professionals, as a judge. Previously she had worked as Senior Sous Chef at the iconic 2 Michelin starred restaurant Le Gavroche, where she remained until March 2015 before leaving to set up her own venture. She is the author of two books, Monica’s Kitchen (published in 2012) and The Skills (released in October 2016). • David Galetti joined the team at Le Gavroche in 2001, where he first met Monica and they married in 2004. David became Head Sommelier in June 2008 and remained with the restaurant until October 2016, before leaving to focus on the opening of Mere.

About WSH • Westbury Street Holdings (WSH) is the owner of the UK’s most successful portfolio of independent catering and hospitality businesses.
• The company operates trading brands such as BaxterStorey, Benugo, Searcys, Holroyd Howe, Caterlink and Portico Corporate Reception Management.
• Mere will sit within WSH Restaurants, a dedicated commercial restaurant division.