Cometa: A New Mexican Seafood Experience in Fitzrovia

Published on December 5, 2025

In​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ February 2025, a fresh culinary venture from the Templeton brothers of Carousel will land in London’s Fitzrovia with the opening of Cometa, a contemporary Mexican seafood restaurant. The intriguing diner will be the takeover of the Charlotte Street Wine Bar and will transform into a feast of British seafood with a unique Mexican ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌twist.

Mexican Flavors Meet British Waters

At its core, Cometa aims to blend bold, vibrant Mexican flavors with the finest UK seafood. The restaurant will focus on high-quality fish and shellfish from trusted suppliers like Fin & Flounder, Flying Fish, Keltic Seafare, and The Sea The Sea. The seafood will be sourced daily from UK day boats, ensuring freshness and sustainability. The name “Cometa,” which translates to comet in Spanish, symbolizes the fast-moving and ever-evolving nature of this new concept. It represents a fusion of two culinary worlds: the rich traditions of Mexico and the purity of British waters.

A Creative Culinary Team

The brains behind Cometa are the Templeton brothers, Ed and Ollie, who have built a name for themselves with the pioneering culinary collective Carousel. The restaurant’s kitchen will be led by an experienced trio, including Ollie Templeton, José Lizarralde Serralde (known for his work at renowned restaurants like Relæ, Nicos, and Meroma), and Alejandra Juarez (who has honed her skills at Estela, Máximo, and Makan). Their combined expertise and passion for Mexican cuisine promise an exciting dining experience.

Cometa builds upon years of successful collaborations with well-known Mexican chefs such as Tomás Bermúdez (La Docena), Thalía Barrios Garcia (Levadura de Olla), Santiago Muñoz (Maizajo), and Gerardo Vázquez Lugo (Nicos). These guest chef partnerships have allowed Carousel to explore and refine the complex flavors of Mexico, which will now take center stage at their new restaurant.

Menu Inspired by Mexican Seafood Traditions

The menu at Cometa draws inspiration from the freshest British seafood while respecting the rich flavors and culinary techniques of Mexico. The dining experience will take the form of a modern brasserie-style format, featuring raw dishes like ceviches and aguachiles, which are integral to Mexican seafood cuisine. For sharing, the restaurant will offer dishes such as Crab Chilpachole rice, brown butter, and chive, as well as grilled seafood options like Lobster with chintextle (a smoky, tangy sauce made from roasted chili and fermented corn), served with a smoked butter sauce and seasonal sides.

Each dish at Cometa will highlight the freshness of the fish, infused with the deep, bold flavors that have become synonymous with Mexican cuisine. The emphasis will be on combining delicate techniques with powerful, unapologetic flavors, ensuring each dish is a balance of tradition and innovation.

Beverage Menu with a Mexican Twist

To complement the vibrant seafood dishes, Cometa will feature a drinks menu that draws from Mexican culture and flavors. Guests can expect refreshing homemade Aguas Frescas and Tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, alongside agave-based cocktails like the Spicy Margarita and Mezcal Old Fashioned. These drinks will be crafted to enhance the bold flavors of the food while offering a unique beverage experience.

Interior Design: A Cozy and Inviting Ambiance

Designed by the Templeton brothers themselves, the interior of Cometa will provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The space will feature warm, earthy tones, soft textiles, and oak-topped tables, creating an inviting environment that reflects the spirit of the food. With a focus on comfort and intimacy, the restaurant will offer a relaxed yet refined setting for guests to enjoy a meal.

Guide for Travelers to Fitzrovia

For those planning to visit Cometa, Fitzrovia offers a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of creative, historic, and trendy spots. Located just a short walk from Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia is home to several iconic landmarks and cultural destinations. Whether you’re exploring the British Museum, enjoying the greenery of Regent’s Park, or indulging in retail therapy on Oxford Street, Cometa will be the perfect place to rest and enjoy a delicious meal after a day of sightseeing.

Public transport links are plentiful, with several bus routes and the Tottenham Court Road Underground station (served by the Central and Northern lines) nearby, making it easy to reach from anywhere in central London.

A New Chapter for Carousel

The opening of Cometa marks an exciting new chapter for the Carousel collective. While their successful guest chef programme will continue, this new restaurant allows the Templeton brothers to showcase their own distinctive style and vision. Their passion for Mexican cuisine and British seafood is evident in every aspect of Cometa, from the carefully crafted menu to the inviting design and innovative drinks offerings.

As Cometa prepares to welcome guests, it promises to become a beloved destination for those in search of innovative seafood dishes, combining the best of two culinary worlds.

Conclusion

Cometa​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ is poised to be a major winner in London’s busy restaurant scene by providing an innovative and exciting take on Mexican seafood that will please the locals as well as tourists. The new place in Fitzrovia with its creative menu, a perfect blend of authentic Mexican culinary traditions and the freshest British seafood, is definitely worth a ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌visit.