Set in the former Parish Church of St Mark, Cha Cha Mayfair is the gem of the new Mercato Metropolitano…
Calling all foodies: anyone who’s been to a Mercato Metropolitano knows what to expect: the ultimate taste sensation in a casual covered market setting. Yet the latest addition to the group is a feast for the eyes too, housed in a Grade 1 listed Gothic church in the heart of Mayfair. We visited over the festive period to try out the sumptuous seafood at Cha Cha Mayfair, which offers a great view of the venue from the second-floor gallery.
Amid the friendly buzz and cosmopolitan mix combining pan-European and Asian food stalls, Cha Cha delivers an array of divine dishes such as tempura shrimp and grilled octopus. The food tastes extremely fresh and the small sharing dishes are ideal for tantalizing the taste buds. Succulent scallops and lobster brioche rolls are easily washed down with oysters cooked to perfection.
We were thrilled to meet two of the four French entrepreneurs behind Cha Cha Mayfair – Thibault and Romain – who are both passionate about food, and hospitality. As far as they are concerned, no meal is complete without a well-crafted beverage. What’s more, the bar is flanked by the original stain glass windows of the church. As the light bounces off the top shelf and an over-sized mural of Jesus Christ, diners are bathed in a warm, multicoloured ambience. It’s almost as if Jesus blessed the wine himself. Except, of course, Cha Cha is a cocktail queen.
Every cocktail on offer is practically a trip around the world, with small batch spirits like New Amsterdam Vodka, Portobello Road Gin and Bayou Spiced Rum whisked into house concoctions like Cha Cha Chica and Amor Blanco. I was particularly fond of the Paso Doble, which balances the tartness of lime juice with the sweetness of Chambord, set against Bayou spiced rum laced with cardamom and cherries. Traditionalists may prefer the Cha Cha Margarita or the aged Barrel Margarita.
Ultimately, the aim of the menu is not to be extensive and overwhelming. Across both food and drink, the selection is short but executed with excellence. It is also, without doubt, an experience to be shared, so be sure to try out the sharing platters to get the full variety of flavours. We recommend heading there in the early evening as the place gets so popular it becomes standing room only! We take that as a good sign.
Sharing platters at Mercato Metropolitano start from £20. All cocktails £11
Cha Cha Mayfair
St Mark’s Church
N Audley St
Mayfair
London
W1K 6ZA
