Ibiza's celebrity-backed ZELA to open UK site in Aldwych's ME London Hotel
ZELA, Ibiza's Japanese and Mediterranean fusion restaurant, is due to open its second site worldwide in London by mid-September.
The restaurant applies Japanese techniques and flavours to Mediterranean produce and traditions in a style it calls ‘meppon'. Dishes are expected to include Ibérico pork gyoza, butterfish nigiri with white truffle and 48-hour braised Wagyu teriyaki.
The 100-cover site will be established in the West End at the ME London Hotel, and feature both a cocktail bar and a sushi bar. Investors include Cristiano Ronaldo, Enrique Iglesias and Rafael Nadal.
Interior design has been led by Diego Gronda studio, and ZELA is expected to feature greenery throughout the building along with booth seating set in the site's original arch windows.
The site is operated by MABEL hospitality, which is headed up by Spanish entrepreneurs Manuel Campos Guallar and Abel Matutes. The two men also founded the Spanish TATEL brand which operates in Ibiza, Madrid and Miami. A further TATEL site is planned for Beverly Hills.
Ahead of the opening Aitor Samperio, managing director of MABEL Hospitality, said: "We're delighted to be bringing ZELA to London, a city that has proved itself as the dining capital of the world.
"The diversity of London's culinary scene provides an exciting opportunity for us to showcase our take on Japanese meets Mediterranean cuisine."
