Now, London’s Mayfair welcomes Lilli by Akira Back, a dazzling new outpost of his signature fusion of modern Japanese and Korean cuisine. Warm, bold, and exquisitely presented, it’s a reflection of the man himself: a true original with a taste for the extraordinary and an instinct for reinvention.
Congratulations on the launch of Lilli by Akira Back and its marriage of British classics with your signature global influences. Can you share an example of how you’ve reimagined a traditional British dish on the menu?
Thank you. The Beef Wellington is such an iconic British dish, and I wanted to honour its roots while giving it a fresh, global interpretation. We use premium beef, wrapped in delicate, flaky pastry – a nod to tradition. It’s accompanied by dauphinoise potato, white kimchi, and a smoked sweet potato purée. This dish delivers an umami depth that gently shifts the flavour profile while still feeling familiar. It’s these subtle touches that transform something classic into something new and exciting.
Your culinary style is rooted in your Korean heritage but also embraces Japanese techniques and global flavours. How do you balance authenticity with innovation?
For me, it’s about respecting the origins of a dish while allowing it to evolve through my own lens. I love the challenge of creating something that feels both familiar and completely new. At Lilli by Akira Back, you’ll find dishes like grilled chicken breast with Peruvian potato, braised kimchi, and ajipanca teriyaki – it’s Korea, Peru, and Japan all on one plate. But every element has purpose. It’s never fusion for the sake of being different – it’s about harmony, balance, and telling a story through flavour.
London’s dining scene is incredibly diverse. What excites you most about opening in Mayfair, and how do you see it standing out?
London is one of the few cities in the world where tradition and innovation truly live side by side. That’s what makes it so exciting – it gives you the freedom to be bold. I didn’t want to follow trends or replicate what’s already out there. This restaurant is about creating food that resonates – something emotive, memorable, and unexpected. The balance of British classics with Korean and Japanese influences gives it a distinct identity, and I believe that’s what will make it stand out in such a dynamic dining scene.
You’ve worked in some of the world’s most exciting food capitals. Has your time in London influenced any particular dishes or ingredients at Lilli by Akira Back?
Absolutely. London has a deep respect for tradition, produce and seasonality, and that’s something I really connect with. Over the years, I’ve been especially impressed by the quality of fish here in the UK – it’s world-class. That’s one of the reasons I chose Loch Duart Salmon for the menu. We serve it with shimeji mushrooms, samphire, and rice crackers – a dish that captures the clean, coastal freshness of Britain but still carries my signature textures and plating. It’s a celebration of local ingredients through a global lens.
Sustainability and local sourcing are key themes in modern fine dining. How do you approach ingredient selection for Lilli’s menu?
Our ingredient selection starts with quality and respect – for the
produce, the seasons, and the people who grow and source it. We work closely with local suppliers to ensure everything on the menu is fresh, vibrant, and sustainably sourced. That connection to local ingredients not only elevates the flavour, but also creates a deeper sense of place and purpose in every dish.
The Montcalm Mayfair bar menu takes inspiration from English horticulture with an Asian twist. Tell us more! And do you have a favourite pairing from the menu?
Absolutely – I believe food and cocktails should be part of one seamless journey. The bar team has beautifully echoed the restaurant’s philosophy: bold, layered, and seasonal. One of my favourite pairings is the Crimson Bloom cocktail. With hibiscus, kumquat, and shichimi togarashi, it has a vibrant floral and spicy profile that perfectly complements our Tuna Tiradito. The drink’s bright citrus and heat play off the freshness of the lime ponzu and the gentle acidity of the quinoa and cabbage salad. It’s a combination that feels both refreshing and indulgent.
How important is the atmosphere in shaping the dining experience, and did you have any input on the restaurant’s design?
The atmosphere plays a vital role in the overall dining experience and really sets the tone before the first dish or drink arrives. The design for Lilli matches the hotel's concept of ‘sensitive luxury’. The aesthetic makes the perfect match for the menu. The design was mastered by London based designers Studio Est, who we worked closely with.
With your Michelin-starred background, do you approach cooking differently for a hotel restaurant than for a standalone fine-dining venue?
From my perspective, the standards remain the same – whether it's in a hotel or a standalone venue, the goal is always excellence. However, hotel dining does allow for more diverse experiences, from intimate dinners to business lunches or celebrations. At Montcalm Mayfair, I’ve embraced that versatility while maintaining the precision and creativity that define my cooking.
Beyond the food, how do you want guests to feel when they dine here? What kind of experience are you hoping to create?
While the culinary offerings are at the heart of the experience, what I truly want is for guests to have full sensory experience. The flavours, combined with the design and atmosphere - I want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a place where they can savour unique food but also escape the ordinary and immerse themselves in a new environment and energy.
Montcalm Mayfair will also offer a seasonal tasting menu later in the year. Can you give us a preview of what diners can expect?
The tasting menu will be a journey through the seasons. Expect British ingredients treated with international flair. It’s all about balance, surprise, and elegance. We are developing a botanically-inspired festive menu for the winter – something that captures the spirit of the season while reflecting the garden-inspired concept running through Montcalm Mayfair.
What’s next for you?
London is definitely a key focus right now – it’s such a dynamic city with diners who are adventurous and culturally attuned, which makes it a perfect home for Lilli by Akira Back. That said, I’m always working on new ideas and bringing the concept to different corners of the world. We’ve got some exciting openings coming up in Rome, Florence, Montana, Turks & Caicos, Jacksonville, and the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Each destination has its own culinary personality, and I love the challenge of weaving my vision into these unique local contexts while staying true to my roots.
