Terracotta and Tequila at Ixchel Kings Road

Welcomed to Kings Road in late November of last year is Ixchel, a tasteful spot for tostadas and tequila in the epicentre of Chelsea. Upon entering, guests are greeted with a magnificent mural designed by Mexican-based artist Rafael Uriegas. The whole space, from foliage-filled terracotta rooms to the glowing Moon Bar, has been designed by Behind the Door Designs. This is the same all-female trio behind the playful house party aesthetic of Soho’s viral bar, The Little Scarlet Door, along with its sister Little Door Bars in selected West London locations. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the interiors of Ixchel are as beautifully atmospheric as they are instagrammable.

Ixchel is a space looking to unite amazing food with well-mixed drinks, incredible music and all-round contagiously positive vibes. To undertake such an ambitious task and hit all these aspects spot-on, the restaurant has brought the together top-tier names in mixology, sound, interiors and cuisine. On the culinary side of things, the vibrant menu is the brainchild of Mexican-born Chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez. Whose previous Michelin-star standard work spans countries, from Brat in Shoreditch to Mayfair’s Ella Canta and Dulce Patria in Mexico City. Most recently Medera at Treehouse London, whose bar The Nest was recently featured in our article of London’s Most Romantic Bars for Winter.

The menu features large platters of Platos Fuertes (main dishes) hot off the Robata grill and sharing plates such as Albacore tuna sashimi tostadas and pasilla chilli glazed baby pork ribs. Making it a desirable spot for groups, promoting a sociable and lively energy from the get-go. The accompanying drinks, mixed under the luminescent ambience of the Moon Bar, have been developed by Manuel Lema. Bringing his previous experience at the highly-esteemed Mexican bar restaurants, Cavita Marylebone and Le Bodega Negra Soho, to Chelsea. The bar also boasts one of Europe's broadest selections of agave-based liquor with numerous artisanal Tequilas and Mescals. To mix, sip or shot (if we are feeling wild).

It's all about the details at Ixchel. Named after the Mayan goddess of the moon and textiles, we see nods to this in all areas of the space. From phases of the moon illuminating the bar and lunar touches hidden in tiles and door handles to reeded ceiling and macrame paying homage to Ixchel's weaving. These elements are seamlessly fused with traditional Mexican decor, glazed planters filled with blooming flora and terracotta galore. The different levels contrast greatly from moody and mysterious to open and breezy - filled with light soaking in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Despite this dramatic energy shift, each section is fitted with top-notch Bang and Olufsen sound systems, to be surrounded with incredible music and atmosphere wherever you choose to create your night (or lunch).

Learn more and book a table at ixchellondon.com

For more Chelsea dining, check out Izzy Schaw Miller's thoughts on Azzura Sloane Street:

Azzurra Restaurant is a catch for Chelsea