SECRET SUPPER

Book a seat at the most sought-after table in town, where the vibe is homely and the menu a surprise

Chiltern Firehouse chef Nuno Mendes is very firm about the fact that his new venue, Mãos, is not a restaurant. So what is it? A kitchen, dining table and wine shop, all situated within London’s Blue Mountain School, a multi-disciplinary project run by cult fashion label and concept store Hostem. Dinner here is served in a single sitting, starting at 7pm, with the venue designed to look and feel like a home. Photographing your dishes is frowned upon, but chatting to the chefs over a glass of pinot noir while they prepare dinner is encouraged. Guests are welcome to eat dessert in the kitchen or wander through to the wine room to pick up a bottle between courses. And the food? It’s influenced by Portugal and Japan – seaweed and fresh fish abound – but dishes aren’t announced until the night, to maintain a sense of mystery. £150 for three courses ( bluemountain.school/maos).