Mirrors restaurant and wine bar to open at ICA in January 2027
Jimmy Stephenson, Emily Masters and chef Cavan Power O’Keeffe launch the venue after a mezzanine makeover by architect Gaël Camu
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The Institute of Contemporary Arts announced that its new dining concept, Mirrors, will welcome the public from the start of 2027. The addition will sit within the gallery’s mezzanine level in Southwark, meaning visitors to the ICA will find a dedicated restaurant and wine bar alongside the existing art exhibitions and music events.
Founders bring food and wine expertise
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Jimmy Stephenson, who runs the natural‑wine bar Hector’s in De Beauvoir, partners with former Hill & Szrok and The Eagle manager Emily Masters and chef Cavan Power O’Keeffe, previously of Planque and Brawn. Together they intend to highlight the relationship between cuisine and contemporary art. Their daytime offering will focus on house‑baked goods, sandwiches and seasonal salads, while evenings will feature a full‑service modern European menu that includes dishes such as tuna fricassé, prawn cappelletti and a condensed‑milk almond crêpe.
“I’m so excited to be opening Mirrors at the ICA with two people who are not only friends but whom I deeply respect and have complete confidence in,”
Jimmy Stephenson, co‑founder
Stephenson also curates a wine list that leans heavily on European natural producers, complemented by a cocktail programme that includes a Mirrors Manhattan and a version of the popular Hector’s Negroni. The founders say the concept is designed to serve both local residents and the gallery’s international audience.
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Mezzanine redesign readied for launch
Architect Gaël Camu has overseen the refurbishment of the ICA’s mezzanine, aiming for a mid‑century modern aesthetic while preserving many of the original 1968 architectural details. The work includes polished surfaces, updated lighting and a layout that accommodates both a kitchen and a flexible dining area. Camu’s intervention ensures the new venue integrates visually with the gallery’s historic fabric.
The ICA has not indicated any disruption to its current programme during the refurbishment. The restaurant will operate under the same opening hours as the gallery, and tickets for exhibitions will continue to be sold separately from dining reservations.
Mirrors will begin taking reservations ahead of its official launch, with details to be posted on the ICA website. Residents of the surrounding Southwark neighbourhood and regular gallery visitors are encouraged to sign up for updates to receive early‑bird offers and information about any preview events.
Questions this report answers
+When will Mirrors open at the ICA?
Mirrors is scheduled to open in January 2027. The date marks the start of a new dining option within the Institute of Contemporary Arts, giving visitors a café and dinner service from that month onward.
+Who are the people behind Mirrors?
The restaurant is founded by Jimmy Stephenson, owner of Hector’s natural wine bar, Emily Masters, formerly of Hill & Szrok and The Eagle, and chef Cavan Power O’Keeffe, who previously worked at Planque and Brawn. Their combined experience shapes the menu and wine list.
+What changes have been made to the ICA building for the new venue?
Architect Gaël Camu is restoring the ICA’s mezzanine, applying a mid‑century modern look while retaining many original 1968 features. The renovation creates space for a kitchen, dining area and bar without interrupting the gallery’s existing programmes.
+How can Southwark residents book a table at Mirrors?
The ICA will open online reservations on its website before the January 2027 launch. Residents can sign up for the ICA’s mailing list to receive early booking opportunities and information about any preview events.
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