Welcome to Mara…
What was formerly known as The Old Couch Café has been reborn as Mara, retaining its predecessor's quirky vibe and bijou space. Chef-Owner Luis Martin has both passion and ambition in abundance, largely working alone in the kitchen and serving his dishes in the cosy, well-lit room to just six tables. His well-balanced cooking incorporates locally foraged produce alongside a few influences from his native Spain, such as ajo blanco or cod buñuelo; the cep tiramisu, meanwhile, has become something of a signature.”
Michelin Guide
November 20th
Diego Bilbao Rodriguez at Mara Restaurant
Our next pop-up sees two old friends come together in the kitchen.
Named Best Chef of Santander at this years II Premios de Hostelería de Santander, Diego is the Head Chef and co-founder of La Hermosa de Alba in Santander, where his contemporary, fusion-minded cooking centres on market-fresh seafood and plates made for sharing. One of North Spains “Ones to watch”.
Diego and our own Head Chef, Luis Martin, rose through the ranks together in some of Northern Spain’s most respected kitchens, including El Serbal in Santander, Azurmendi and the three-Michelin-star El Cenador de Amós. They went on to open Centro Botín together under the renowned Jesús Sánchez.
Expect a fun, adventurous 11-course tasting menu that tells a story, and there’s something special behind it.
Mara X La Hermosa de Alba
Group and Christmas Bookings
At our place or yours
We are now accepting group bookings for the build up to Christmas. Book in for staff parties, Christmas get togethers, special occasions or just a good night out trying something new.
Prefer to stay in? Mara can come to you, with catering or a private chef experience in your own home, so you can enjoy your guests while we do the cooking. Dates are filling quickly, so get in touch soon to book.
Irish Coast Meets Cantabria
Cooking Classes at Mara
Join Chef Luis Martin for a hands-on cooking class where modern Irish coastal ingredients meet the bold flavours of northern Spain. You’ll learn to cook seasonal dishes in a relaxed, small-group setting—perfect for curious home cooks who want to sharpen their skills and explore vibrant new techniques. We’ve also added a new range of 2026 classes, including butchery workshops and a dedicated baking class.
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Mara Gift Voucher
Delight a loved one, thank a colleague or impress a client with a Mara gift voucher. Can be used for a meal or for cooking classes.
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Beef Butchery Class + Two-Course Menu (January 25th)
Learn how to break down beef rumps into their individual cuts, from steaks to braising and roasting joints and enjoy a comforting two-course beef menu afterward.
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Italian Cookery Class (11th February)
Create classic antipasto, make fresh pasta from scratch, and finish with traditional tiramisu.
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Spanish Tapas Night (March 11th)
Enjoy a relaxed evening cooking your favourite Spanish holiday tapas, from tortilla to garlic prawns, ending with our Basque cheesecake.
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La Hora Del Vermouth | August 2nd
Spend an afternoon exploring Spain’s aperitivo culture through vermouth and classic tapas, finishing with a traditional Spanish dessert. Enjoy house vermouth on arrival, served with smoked almonds, citrus olives, and crisps with anchovy butter.
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"Basque Fire" Txuleta & Txakoli Masterclass | August 9th
From traditional pintxos to perfectly grilled txuleta, discover one of Spain’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
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Italian Spritz & Antipasti | August 16th
An afternoon inspired by the bacari of northern Italy, exploring classic spritzes alongside a generous spread of antipasti. Learn to craft Aperol, Select and Campari Spritz while preparing elegant Italian sharing dishes.
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The Art of Spanish Rice & Godello Masterclass | August 23rd
A hands-on class in Spanish rice cookery and Godello wines, exploring everything from seafood paella to rich arroz meloso and celebrating one of Spain’s most iconic culinary traditions.
A taste of Local
Mara partners with barefoot farm
Mara Restaurant, is proud to announce a new partnership with Barefoot Farm in Dunhill. A collaboration which will see all of the vegetables used in the restaurant sourced from Barefoot Farm.
