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Athertons announce new St James’s Market restaurant
Having closed their Pollen Street Social restaurant after 13 years last month, Irha and Jason Atherton have announced the opening of a new spot with interiors inspired by ‘Cool Britannia’.
Due to open next month, Sael is an 85 cover brasserie that is, as is increasingly to be expected of London restaurants, focused on British ingredients.
“Opening a quintessentially British-style brasserie has been a long-held dream of ours, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to life. We can’t wait to welcome guests to experience our unique and innovative dining experience, all at accessible prices,” said the Athertons.
Heading up the kitchen will be executive chef Dale Bainbridge, who spent almost a decade as the head chef of Pollen Street Social.
“Sael will depart from the traditional and constrained three-course meal structure and feature a diverse array of small and large dishes, showcasing modern culinary innovation at affordable prices,” explained Bainbridge. “Sael will pride itself on sourcing the finest local meat and fish, ensuring every dish reflects the quality and authenticity of our regional ingredients, with a particular focus on woodfire cooking.”
Indeed, according to a press release, “the entire team” from Pollen Street Social, which closed its doors for the final time on 31 July, will move to the new venture. Sam Mills will join Sael as head chef, and Giacomo Della Brutta will serve as restaurant manager.
Among the dishes teased are a Cumbrian lamb hotpot and a hundred-layer heritage snail and ox cheek lasagne. Jam roly-poly, a Pollen Street Social favourite, will also feature.
The drinks selection is also British in focus, with wines from London’s Renegade winery and East Sussex’s Busi Jacobsohn.
Guests to Sael will be met with a large British flag upon entering, and the walls will be covered with photographs of “British icons” – who these “icons” are has not yet been disclosed.
Up the stairs from Sael will be the aptly-named Apples & Pears, which promises snacks and cocktails, with speciality drinks developed for each season.
The Athertons also recently closed Social Eating House, but this does not mean that their group, The Social Company, isn’t expanding – Sael is one of four new outlets that the couple is launching, including a hot dog spot in the Harrods food hall.
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