The Blurb
‘At Ixchel London, we are infusing Chelsea with the authentic flavours of Mexico. Inspired by the Mayan goddess of the moon, our warm and charming space invites guests to embark on a culinary journey like no other. With vibrant flavours and meticulous attention to detail, every visit promises an unforgettable celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.’
The Style
You’d be forgiven for walking right past Chelsea’s new south-eastern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar, perched on the corner of Walpole Street where it meets the King’s Road. There’s a certain hiding-in-plain-sight feeling about it. Its floor-to-ceiling windows are draped in soft, natural curtains creating an inconspicuous forcefield ready to transport those adventurous enough to pass through its doors straight to the Yucatán peninsula, where head chef, Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, draws her inspiration for its uniquely authentic menu.
For those unfamiliar with the Mayan pantheon, Ixchel (pronounced Ick-shell) is the goddess of the moon and textiles. Her presence is most strikingly felt in the statement backlit moon cycle above the bar, complemented by thoughtful touches throughout the space.
Mexican artist Rafael Uriegas is the brains behind the artistry, incorporating soft-palleted murals, thick waxy cactuses, contemporary macramé and textiles, terracotta tables and rattan accents, all beneath an intricate reeded ceiling.
Downstairs, the mood takes a dark, sultry turn. Perfect for group celebrations or intimate gatherings, the space offers private dining options and cosy alcoves.
While the evening buzz is electric, the front-of-house team assures us the lunchtime atmosphere is entirely different—bright, airy, and relaxed. I suppose I’ll just have to go back to see for myself.
The Drink
For tequila and mezcal enthusiasts, Ixchel’s bar is answering an awful lot of your prayers, boasting one of Europe’s largest collections of agave spirits. From artisan mezcals crafted in traditional Mexican distilleries to an extensive cocktail list, you can choose from an intriguing array of margaritas like the flawless Tommy’s or the creamy Avocado, or opt for one of the house classics, like the Paloma or Tequila Sour.
The Food
With such an illustrious pedigree as Gonzalez’s – including Dulce Patria in Mexico City, Michelin-starred Brat in Shoreditch and Mayfair’s Ella Canta – the menu was always bound to both interest and impress.
A couple of margaritas in, we were relieved our small plates arrived before sinking any further into tequila’s warming grip. The scallop aguachile was exquisite, so much so I didn’t feel at all self-conscious scraping out every last drop onto my spoon. To accompany, we had the cactus salad tostadas – perfectly seasoned, crisp, textured and flavourful, setting the bar really quite high for the main course.
Luckily, we weren’t disappointed. The 28-day-aged Hereford ribeye with grilled green chorizo and chiles toreados was a showstopper, wrapped up in what we’re assured are the ‘more authentic choice’ – the corn tortillas (flour tortillas are also available). Equally impressive was the whole bream, flaking away under a robust chilli marinade, served alongside a fragrant herb salad dressed in a charred lemon vinaigrette.
What would have elevated these dishes even further would have been a selection of salsas, which we realised all too late needed to be ordered separately. Our side of rajas con crema (which our waiter blithely described as a ‘Mexican ratatouille’) would have also come as a welcome accompaniment, but unfortunately, did not arrive in time – and on its own, was a little underwhelming. However, the crispy potatoes in salsa verde (also late arriving), ushered in a few minutes’ silence.
With very little room left by this point, we ventured for some lighter dessert choices, namely the Mexican mango (with homemade chamoy and lime sorbet) and the tres leches cake, topped with a piped cloud of cinnamon-spiced custard. We didn’t regret soldiering on.
The Verdict
Bold flavours, inventive cocktails and an atmosphere fizzing with anticipation make Ixchel a standout addition to Chelsea’s international dining scene. I’ll see you there very soon.
The Details
33H King’s Rd, London SW3 4LX
