Somssi shutters after star shock
Somssi in London closed just five weeks after winning its first Michelin star following the departure of its chef — a fast unravel that highlights how fragile chef‑led concepts can be. (restaurantonline.co.uk) The closure underscores that a Michelin win doesn't insulate a tiny dining room from operational or personnel shocks. (restaurantonline.co.uk)
Chef Jihun Kim posted his departure from Mandarin Oriental Mayfair on Instagram on 17 March 2026, announcing he had left the hotel after leading the Somssi project. (thecaterer.com) Mandarin Oriental Mayfair confirmed Somssi has closed and issued a statement praising Kim’s “talent, vision and commitment,” saying the hotel valued the collaboration. (thecaterer.com) Somssi had been trading for roughly six months before appearing in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide, where it was listed with one star following the awards ceremony in Dublin in February 2026. (thecaterer.com) The concept operated as an intimate chef’s‑table experience seating about 14 diners per service inside the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. (thestaffcanteen.com) Somssi occupies the former Dosa chef’s‑table space after the hotel ended its partnership with Akira Back, a tie that concluded on 29 July 2025 and led to the venue’s relaunch under Jihun Kim. (boutiquehotelier.com) In his Instagram reflection Kim referenced opening Akira Back’s Dosa, earning a Michelin star within six months at that site, then losing it when the partnership ended, and said he hoped to welcome guests “again, wherever that may be.” (thestaffcanteen.com) Industry coverage of the closure and Kim’s exit was published on 18–19 March 2026 by multiple outlets reporting the hotel’s confirmation and Kim’s Instagram post. (restaurantonline.co.uk)
