Yesterday, Korean chef Jihun Maxime Kim announced that he is leaving the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair which houses the 14-seat restaurant.
The hotel has now confirmed that the restaurant is closed with immediate effect.
A protégé of Akira Back, Kim was previously instrumental in winning a Michelin star for Dosa by Akira Back in last year’s guide.
The 14-seat restaurant was rebranded as Somssi following Back’s departure last summer and was treated as a new entry by Michelin, meaning it won - rather than retained - its star.
Taking to Instagram, Kim did not give a reason for his departure.
“Today marks my departure from the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair after an unforgettable journey full of highs, lows, and everything in between. Those who have enjoyed Somssi and been part of its journey – I hope to welcome you again, wherever that may be.”
In its most recent iteration, the restaurant offered a high-end tasting menu focused on Korean techniques combined with seasonal British produce, with a strong emphasis on seafood.
Recent pricing included a £195 per person dinner tasting menu, with premium versions reported to reach £380–£400, and a Saturday lunch menu priced at £145.
Signature dishes included ganjang lobster cured for seven days in soy sauce with sweetcorn jelly and Oscietra caviar; Cornish sea bream served with turnip dongchimi and trout roe; and a choice of English wagyu picanha or saltmarsh lamb with black garlic and wild mushroom rice.
Starters featured abalone noodles with shiso sorbet and Maldon oysters in miyeok guk broth with wagyu tongue.