February 2017 celebrates the arrival of Mere, the eagerly anticipated new restaurant from Samoan born chef, Monica Galetti and her husband, Frenchman and sommelier, David Galetti.
The couple’s first restaurant is to be located at 74 Charlotte Street, in London’s Fitzrovia, and will open in partnership with Westbury Street Holdings (WSH).
The restaurant is a long-term personal dream of the Galettis and the emotion of that is captured in the name. Mere – pronounced Mary – pays homage, not only to the French for ‘mother’, but also to the Samoan for ‘Mary’, Monica’s mother’s name.
“For many years, it’s been David’s and my dream to open a restaurant together. In Mere, we want to deliver a restaurant that’s relaxed and casual, but with no compromise on comfort, or the quality of the food and wines on offer. The kind of place we both like to visit and one that’s personal and welcoming.” Monica explains.
The venue will be split level, with a bar on the raised ground floor seating 20 guests for bar snacks, cocktails and drinks. The downstairs restaurant will accommodate up to 64 guests.
Menus will be seasonal and market led, with a mixture of both Monica’s lighter take on the classics and new dishes currently in development.
“The menu will be pretty straightforward”, explains Monica, “I want to create the kind of food and environment that guests can visit regularly and come to Mere to just relax - whether it’s a business lunch or an evening with friends and family.”
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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 10 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 (to be 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 will remain with the restaurant until October 2016, before leaving to focus on the opening of Mere.
About Westbury Street Holdings
• 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.