Ella Canta’s sizzling summer brunch fiestas

Mayfair meets Mexico as chef Martha Ortiz’s London restaurant recreates the Tulum beach party vibe, mixing modern cuisine and Margarita cocktails with a cool Latin beat

Mexican cool comes to Mayfair this summer as Park Lane restaurant Ella Canta brings the hip party vibe of Tulum beach to life in a series of brunches hosted with Coco Tulum beach club. The gatherings – beginning May 18 and held every third Saturday of the month until July 20 – are poised to be a lively mix of modern Mexican cuisine and Margaritas set to Latin beats selected by Coco Tulum’s resident DJ Manuscula.

Starters will include ceviche of sea bass with lime, coriander, pineapple and basil

Ella Canta’s chef-proprietor Martha Ortiz – who is also chef patron of Mexico City’s award-winning Dulce Patria – has created a special menu for the events, and her restaurant will be dressed with traditional handwoven dreamcatchers set among foliage and delicate flower crowns to conjure the Tulum atmosphere. Guests soaking up the ambience can expect starters of ceviche of sea bass with lime, coriander, pineapple and basil; octopus tostada with spicy peanut sauce and avocado; chicken panucho with black beans and pickled red onion; and shrimp quesadilla with cheese and molcajete sauce. The main dishes include classic pork tacos with avocado sauce and green emerald sauce; tortillas with pumpkin-seed sauce, tomato sauce and hard-boiled eggs; and zarandeado-style fish with tomato, cucumber, onion and pasilla sauce. For dessert, indulge in a churros, caramel and chocolate feast; almond cake with passion fruit and meringue; or rice pudding with rum-and-raisin ice cream.

Pork tacos with avocado sauce and green emerald sauce are among the mains

Blood Orange and Hibiscus Margarita is made with Patrón Silver, triple sec, Campari, lime, hibiscus and blood-orange marmalade served on the rocks

“I love to tell stories through my food, so the menu is purposefully theatrical,” says Ortiz. “I have used bold colours and strong flavours to set the scene and then peppered it with intricate details that help bring the stories to life. It’s about a beautiful corner of the Mexican coast and bringing its free-spirited culture to London for the summer.”

The brunch (£49 per person for 90 minutes) will include three types of cocktail: the Tulum Margarita, a blend of Patrón Tequila, peach liqueur, St-Germain and Santa Monica lemonade served in a coupette; Blood Orange and Hibiscus Margarita, made with Patrón Silver, triple sec, Campari, lime, hibiscus and blood-orange marmalade served on the rocks; and the Long Paloma, made with Patrón Silver, grapefruit, lime, agave syrup and grapefruit soda. Alternatively, diners can enjoy unlimited agua frescas (£39 per person with this option) – a classic Mexican drink of blended fruit, water and lime.