Monica Galetti, formerly of Le Gavroche which holds two stars in the Michelin Guide UK, will open her new restaurant, Mere, with husband David on March 6, 2017.

The eagerly anticipated first restaurant from husband and wife team, Monica and David Galetti, in partnership with Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), will open its doors in London's Fitzrovia on Monday, March 6.

Monica said: “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.”

Joining Monica in the kitchen will be long-term colleague and head chef, Renée Miller. Menus will focus on select favourites and feature a choice of six dishes in each course that will change with market availability. Particular dishes will include starters of 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 desserts such as citrus and yogurt - blood orange mousse, yogurt sorbet, lemon confit, sparkling grapefruit.

>>> Read more about Monica here

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 said: “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.”

A bar area accommodating up to 20 guests will be on the ground level featuring a mix of blue velvet and leather seating. The lower ground restaurant accessed from a curved walled staircase will seat up to 64 guests and there will be a private dining room for up to 10 guests with disabled access provided by a lift.

Two of the Galettis’ favourite artists will feature on the walls including English artist, Warren Kerley who has created a showpiece on the ground floor, a ‘siapo’, made especially for Monica in Samoa will feature in the main dining room and more contemporary Samoan works by her cousin and artist, Solomon Daniel, will also feature in the restaurant area.

Mere, pronounced 'Mary', 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 January 30, and can be made online only at www.mere-restaurant.com

>>> Read more news here

>>> Read more about MasterChef: The Professionals 2016

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