Serra

The grand opening of the Chancery Rosewood in the latter half of 2025 caused a fair ruckus over who would front the hotel’s F&B line-up. We're pleased to report it's in capable hands with the launch of Serra, a beautiful Southern Mediterranean restaurant led by chef de cuisine Alex Povall (formerly of Berenjak and Murano).

In truth, this designer space is exactly what one might expect from a restaurant that sits within one of the capital’s most luxurious hotels. Located at the front of the building overlooking Grosvenor Square, the sprawling, light-filled dining room sports gilded gold accents, sage green banquets and warm textures of wood and rattan. As we’re led to our table, we pass custom-built wine fridges stocked with bottles that we expect cost more than our monthly rent, and a huge open kitchen where chefs studiously man their stations. We doubt any expense has been spared in its making, and despite its majestic high ceilings and expensive furnishings, there's a calmness to the space. Gargantuan floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light, while art deco brass light fixtures cast their warm glow once the sun sets.

It's a fine stage for Povall to showcase his peerless cooking. His menu offers elevated takes on Mediterranean classics, albeit with an explicit lean towards Italian and Greek cuisine – fluffy breads, dips, pasta dishes and grills. We pair sesame-crusted kalouri, a bagel-like bread with a chewy exterior, with a chunky medley of barrel-aged feta, datterini tomato and salty crushed olives. Rigatoni ‘Alla Zozonna’ - meaning ‘dirty pasta’ - sees al dente pasta tossed in a rich smoked beef sausage ragout enriched with egg yolk. It feels a little redundant to remark, but this was very good. We’d recommended one of the grills in a heartbeat. A majestic fillet of seabass was juicy, soft and embellished with little more than ultra-crisp skin and a lick of olive oil.

A lengthy wine list completes the experience, bolstered by a knowledgeable sommelier who can expertly point you towards one that suits your meal. London might not have needed another Mediterranean restaurant, but there’s something special about Serra, and we encourage Londoners to make room.

Serra is a Southern Mediterranean restaurant at The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair, led by chef de cuisine Alex Povall. The concept draws on the flavours of southern Italy and Greece, placing seasonal produce and simple, generous cooking at the centre of the experience.

The restaurant’s name, meaning ‘greenhouse’ in Italian, reflects its focus on nature and provenance. Serra works in close partnership with SHRUB Provisions, sourcing ingredients from a network of small independent farms across the UK. Menus change regularly, shaped by what growers have available at any given time.

The food is designed to be shared and enjoyed informally, with dishes that highlight bold flavours and carefully sourced ingredients. Starters include salt cod fritters with wood-fired flatbread, crudo such as hand-dived scallop tartare with pickled cucumber and basil, and black bream carpaccio with saffron and mint. Larger plates include wild red prawn bucatini with bisque and basil, and spatchcock Norfolk Black chicken with Calabrian chilli and chicken fat potatoes.

The open kitchen sits at the heart of the restaurant and adds to its lively, social feel. A raw counter offers crudo prepared in front of guests, while the central dining room and kitchen bar place diners close to the action. A 12-seat private dining room offers a quieter space, while still retaining the energy of the main restaurant.

The design is clean and warm, with a Mediterranean-inspired palette and natural materials. The space feels elevated without being formal, with plenty of light, subtle texture and considered details. Service follows a relaxed but attentive rhythm, in line with the atmosphere.

The drinks list is built around Mediterranean-style cocktails and low-intervention wines, with a strong focus on aperitivo and fresh, citrus-led pairings. Serra encourages flexibility, welcoming guests for long lunches, early suppers or a single glass of wine at the bar.

Serra combines classic southern European ingredients with a modern London energy. It suits diners looking for seasonal food, a lively setting and a more casual take on Mediterranean cooking, grounded in quality and simplicity.