Mimo - Removed from website August 2021 (closed) - London Bridge, London

We weren't exactly sure what to expect when we headed to Borough Market to visit MIMO. Technically a cooking school, it comprises of two independent kitchens and a gourmet shop on the ground floor with a grand sweeping staircase leading visitors to a private dining room and chef's table on the first. We repaired to the latter for a chef's table experience supervised by a pair of exceptional young talents.  We were joined by an intimate group of young professionals with a pronounced taste in the finer things in food. 

MIMO is situated in a lovely 1897 Victorian red brick building that formerly housed the Borough Market Trustees. Guests are treated to huge windows which let in waves of natural light into a room with original wood floors, white walls and an open kitchen with an intimate countertop housing up to twelve lucky guests. There was a very charming and knowledgeable sommelier on hand to guide us through the wine selection throughout the evening. 

The menu changes with each experience depending on what's in season and the freshest meats provided by the nearby Ginger Pig butchery. There were really no off notes in the meal, but our favourite plates were the butter burnt leeks on a bed of crème fraiche and leek oil with perfectly creamy Sussex blue, sprinkled with dill and walnuts. John Dory nodded to Basque cooking, set in a curry and orange bisque with clams and artichokes. The flavours in a mango parfait with passion fruit, chocolate soil, lime and coconut gel were balanced yet powerful.

MIMO offers an incredible chef's table experience in Borough Market, which is best suited for those with a real interest in cooking who want to learn while they enjoy.