Mexican restaurant replaces Aurelia in Mayfair

08-Nov-2013 - Last updated on 08-Nov-2013 at 14:42 GMT

The 100-cover restaurant offers a range of traditional Mexican favourites with a modern twist

Venture capitalist and highly successful London restaurateur Arjun Waney has opened Peyote - a modern Mexican restaurant and bar in Mayfair – in partnership with fellow businessman Tarun Mahrotri.

Situated on the site of Waney’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Aurelia, which closed earlier this year, the 100-cover venue opened yesterday (7 November) under the guise of Mahrotri, who has previously worked with Waney on the opening of Il Baretto and Coya.

Peyote (the colloquial name for a small cactus native to the Chihuahuan desert) offers traditional Mexican favourites with a modern twist; from tacos to sharing platters and à la carte plates, complimented by a broad selection of tequila and mescal, some innovative cocktails and a select wine list.

“I love tequila,” explained Mahrotri. “And that interest took me to Mexico and the discovery of contemporary food there, which is how I met Eduardo García and learned more about this fascinating cuisine.

“I also wanted to create a restaurant and bar with some style to showcase the food, and the huge variety and complexity of tequila and mezcal.”

On the menu

Tarun-Mahrotri — Restaurateur Tarun Mahrotri learnt the ropes of the industry from Arjun Waney at Il Baretto and Coya

Mahrotri and Waney have teamed up with Eduardo García from Máximo Bistro in Mexico City to create the restaurant’s menu, together with head chef Hili San from Buddha Bar and Nobu Park Lane.

The menu is divided into several sections: starters, ceviche, laminados, tostadas, tacos, quesadillas, main courses, and desserts. Highlights include cactus salad; octopus ceviche; and stone bass with guajillo sauce. Starters and other shared plates are priced between £7.50 and £12; main courses are £19 to £38; and all desserts are £7.50.

Peyote’s international wine list comprises 100 bins (from £26), with a dozen by the glass (from £6). The separate bar will feature approximately 100 tequilas and mescal, with numerous ingenious cocktails based on the liquor. There are also 20 ‘tequila lockers’ for private premium tequila bottle storage.

The interior of the two level 100-seat space features a mix of banquette seating on both levels, as well as a Taco Bar with a dozen stools and a chef’s table for up to 12 on the downstairs level. Artistic skulls present a bold design motif, with a dozen of them placed along one wall.

Despite Aurelia's closure, Indian-born Waney has backed several restaurant winners including the Asian-inspired Zuma and Roka which have been rolled out internationally from London, as well as La Petit Maison, Il Baretto, the Arts Club and Coya - all in the capital.

Peyote is now open at 13 Cork Street in Mayfair.