Jason and Irha Atherton expand The Social Company

Jason and Irha Atherton have expanded The Social Company restaurant group with four new outlets opening in the coming months

Chef Dale Bainbridge from the recently-closed Pollen Street Social has been confirmed for the plans, with sites set to open at the Three Darlings on Chelsea’s Pavilion Road; Hot Dogs by Three Darlings — a new concept set to launch in Harrods Dining Hall; British restaurant Sael at St James’ Market; and another fine dining destination in Mayfair.

The Athertons originally opened Pollen Street Social in 2011 and have expanded the business into an international restaurant group with seven sites in London, including the Michelin-starred City Social, alongside another eight sites around the world.

Hot dogs

First to launch on 15 July will be the Hot Dogs by Three Darlings site in Harrods Food Hall. A 25-seater concept, it will serve five gourmet hot dogs inspired by flavours from around the world. A rotating celebrity-endorsed hot dog will also be on offer, with proceeds donated to charity.

Alongside the hot dogs are fries, sundaes, milkshakes, martini, champagne, wine and beer.

Jason Atherton is set to oversee the launch of Three Darlings, which is planned to open in mid-August. Named after the couple’s three daughters, it will be an 85 cover restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. It aims to produce a seasonally-driven menu made with locally-sourced produce focusing on modern English cuisine “with European influences and healthy fare from around the world”. Alongside an open kitchen and dining space there will also be an outdoor terrace, covered all-year.

Mayfair

Last to open will be Sael in September, which will deliver a 115 cover restaurant offering British cuisine from Jason Atherton and chef Dale Bainbridge as well as a separate bar.  In addition, the Athertons will also open a new ‘bespoke fine dining destination’ in London’s Mayfair, although it is yet to offer further details on the offer at the time of writing.

Jason and Irha Atherton said: “After announcing the closure of Pollen Street Social in March, now feels like the right time to reveal our expansion of The Social Company in London. We think that these four very different offerings will each appeal and bring distinct culinary experiences to our guests. We’re also very excited to have Dale Bainbridge on board at launch.

“For us, London’s dining scene is one of the best in the world and the city’s diverse population and its appreciation for innovative dining experiences create an ideal environment for new culinary ventures to flourish.”