Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Partners with Chef Akira Back

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that world-renowned chef Akira Back will make his UK debut at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair , London , which opens in spring 2023 headlining with the establishment of a namesake dining experience.

Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, London is a stylish boutique hotel with 50 rooms and 77 private residences located in London's historic Hanover Square, in the heart of London's busiest neighbourhood.

A series of alluring restaurants and bars headed by Chef Akira Back will complement the hotel, including two specialty restaurants, a lounge, a rooftop dining experience, and room service legendary service of Mandarin Oriental Hotel to provide guests with an unparalleled experience. These concepts will showcase Back's Korean-American background, incorporating a signature dining style of modern Japanese cuisine. The interior design of the bar and restaurant is by Tokyo-based Curiosity Design Studio.


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Catering concept:

Akira Back – located right in the middle of the hotel, offers all-day dining for a refreshed experience. The restaurant 's dishes are inspired by Akira Back 's Korean culture, modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine, and his travels.

As the hotel's largest restaurant, Akira Back seats 148, including three private rooms. The restaurant will offer Chef Back 's selected menu, mainly for sharing. Selected menu items include the " AB Tuna Pancake," a combination of wafer crispy crust, yuzu umami mayonnaise, tuna sashimi, shiso sprouts and white truffle oil.

The restaurant is located under the breathtaking three-storey skylight, and with the marble spiral staircase leading to the restaurant space, the three elements of ground, wind and water in the interior are integrated to stimulate the senses .

Dosa – This ultimate culinary theater experience combines modern Korean dishes with 14 counter seats in a warm  dining environment, offering guests delicacies with seasonal ingredients and superb cooking techniques. 

Chef Back won his first Michelin star in Seoul and brought his innovative dining concept from Seoul to London.


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ABar Lounge – This one-of-a-kind, glamorous cocktail bar, with its contemporary design and lively atmosphere, will showcase Akira Back's finely crafted refreshments and artful cocktails. An exciting line-up of live DJs will perform in the evenings, making ABar Lounge a must-see in the heart of Mayfair .

ABar Rooftop – ABar Rooftop will be Akira Back's last experience at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The restaurant offers a variety of gourmet cuisine and Asian-inspired cocktails. It is the best place to overlook Mayfair with a view of London's dazzling skyline.

The Michelin-starred chef and former snowboarder has opened successful restaurants in Paris, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, Dubai, Seoul, and Singapore.


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Chef Back was born in Korea and grew up in Aspen, Colorado, USA. He excelled in winter sports before retiring early due to injury. Later, he discovered his passion for creating dishes in the kitchen. In the process of honing his culinary skills, Back gradually developed a unique cooking style. Influenced by his training in traditional Japanese cooking, as well as his childhood and travels around the world, Back creates dishes with a spirit of adventure and creativity.

Chef Back brings the deepest memories to life through his love of food and adventurous spirit. Speaking of the partnership with Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, Chef Akira Back said: "I am delighted to be bringing my dining experience to London for the first time. Revolutionizing the dining experience with one-of-a-kind dishes and gracious service, for Guests create unforgettable memories. These values ​​coincide with the operating philosophy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which is committed to providing the best guest experience in the world. It is the perfect partner for my first business in the UK."

Susanne Hatje, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, London, added: "We are delighted to be opening in the heart of Mayfair and look forward to working with Chef Back. His extraordinary creativity and energy will bring our guests Culinary Journey, let us make our hotel a hub for lovers of local food and wine experiences."


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For more information, please visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/london/mayfair or  https://www.akiraback.com/ 

About Akira Back

The Akira Back brand has a number of restaurants and lounges around the world, combining social and elegant atmospheres in innovative dining experiences. Michelin-starred chef Akira Back was born in Korea, grew up in Aspen, Colorado, USA, and is currently working in Paris, Las Vegas, Dubai, Beverly Hills, San Diego, Doha, Toronto, Singapore and Seoul It has 25 restaurants in the city and will expand its brand in more places.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is an award-winning hotel investment and management group, operating world-renowned hotels, resort hotels and hotel-managed residences. The group has grown from a hotel company rooted in Asia into a global brand. At present, the group operates 36 hotels and nine hotel-managed residential projects in 24 countries and regions. Each property reflects the group's oriental tradition, local culture and unique design. Mandarin Oriental is a member of the Jardine Group and has several hotels and hotel-managed residential projects under development.

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