Santiago Lastra’s Culinary Journey in Marylebone

Santiago Lastra, chef-owner of KOL restaurant and KOL Mezcaleria in Marylebone, is deeply connected to his roots. The culinary heritage of his native Mexico has been the key inspiration in his career, fueling a longstanding dream of opening his very own restaurant in central London. Lastra began his professional career at the age of 15, cooking at notable establishments including Mugaritz in San Sebastian, as well as Bror in Copenhagen and the Nordic Food Lab. He has taken up guest chef residencies at prestigious locations such as London’s Tate Modern and Carousel, Hija de Sanchez in Copenhagen, Meteri in Italy, and Neolokal in Istanbul, earning him the title of the “nomadic chef.” In 2017, Santiago solidified his reputation while managing the prestigious Noma Mexico project, where his primary responsibility was to source ingredients from small-scale producers across the country.

After the successful three-month pop-up, Santiago moved to London and dedicated himself to culinary research, intent on developing his own project. The result was KOL, which opened on Seymour Street in October 2020. KOL, derived from the word ‘Col’ meaning cabbage in Mexican Spanish, encapsulates Santiago’s belief that the simplest ingredients can be transformed into extraordinary dishes. The restaurant showcases the innovation and diversity of Mexican cuisine and culture, carefully using exceptional British ingredients. The KOL Mezcaleria, which opened in early 2021, features a hand-sourced selection from one of Europe’s largest collections of agave spirits, paired with Santiago’s ‘Antojitos’ street food-inspired snacks.

Santiago Lastra’s Guide to Marylebone’s Best Eats

“Marylebone is full of excellent examples of high-quality cuisine within a relaxing atmosphere,” says Santiago. “You can be transported to different places around the world through these restaurants. That’s one of the aspects I love about being in London; within one city, you can experience a taste of the world.”

“I have a special affection for Marylebone. It was always where I aspired to open my restaurant. When I first arrived in London, I would disembark at Baker Street station and explore the neighborhood, embracing its vibrant atmosphere. It’s such a beautiful part of London.”

1. Chiltern Firehouse

“One of my favourite restaurants and bars in the world. The set-up, the ambiance, and the wonderful staff make it something truly unique.”