Michelin‑Starred Spot Closes
Somssi at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair has closed after chef Jihun Kim announced his departure this March — the venue had earned a Michelin star just six months after opening. The closure is one of several high‑profile recent exits in the UK Michelin scene (sloughobserver.co.uk) (runcornandwidnesworld.co.uk).
In an Instagram post dated 17 March 2026, Jihun Maxime Kim wrote, “Today marks my departure of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair after an unforgettable journey—full of highs, lows, and everything in between.” (thecaterer.com) Somssi secured its Michelin star at the 2026 Michelin ceremony in Dublin in February 2026, a recognition that came roughly five weeks before Kim’s March announcement. (restaurantonline.co.uk) (thecaterer.com) The chef’s-table counter held just 14 covers and operated a single sitting each night, a format the hotel described as an “exclusive chef’s table experience” in Hanover Square. (squaremeal.co.uk) (mandarinoriental.com) The Somssi concept followed the July 2025 end of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s partnership with Akira Back; Dosa by Akira Back was relaunched as Somssi with Jihun Kim stepping up from executive chef. (thecaterer.com) (hot-dinners.com) A Mandarin Oriental Mayfair spokesperson thanked Kim and said the venue “successfully retained its Michelin star,” while describing the chef’s contribution as a significant part of the hotel’s culinary offering. (thecaterer.com) Industry trackers report Somssi’s booking page has been pulled and the Michelin Guide entry now returns “restaurant not found,” with Google listings marking the site temporarily closed. (thestaffcanteen.com) (thecaterer.com)
