Jason Atherton Is Opening A New London Brasserie

With a collection of 16 restaurants dotted around the world, many boasting Michelin stars, Jason Atherton is one of the UK’s most prolific chefs. But he’s not resting on his laurels: 2024 will see a number of new openings for his culinary brand The Social Company. Hot Dogs by Three Darlings recently opened in Harrods Dining Hall, and Pollen Street Social is soon to relaunch as Mary’s. But his biggest brand-new restaurant is Sael, a new brasserie set to open this September in St James’s Market.

Sael To Open This September

The brainchild of Atherton and his wife Irha, Sael is a celebration of the abundance of great produce in the British Isles. Helming the kitchen will be executive chef Dale Bainbridge – formerly at Pollen Street Social – who will be changing up the traditional three-course meal structure with an array of small and large plates. 

Guests will be able to choose their base ingredient, whether that’s meat, fish or a vegetable, which will be cooked on the wood-fire grill, then served with a choice of sides. Options will include Orkney scallops, Cumbrian lamb, Carlingford oysters and Highland wagyu, alongside standout dishes such as a unique hundred-layer snail and ox cheek lasagne. The wine list will offer a variety of bottles at different price points, with a focus on wines from the British Isles, alongside beer and cider. That’s not all though: above Sael there will be a bar called Apples & Pears. Think music from DJs, cocktails and snacks from the restaurant downstairs.

‘With Sael, we set out to create the ultimate destination in London for anyone seeking the best British food in a relaxed and vibrant setting,’ said the Athertons. ‘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.’

The Blind Pig

Atherton began his career working alongside top chefs like Pierre Koffmann, Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay before launching his own restaurant company, Jason Atherton Ltd. His flagship restaurant Pollen Street Social opened in Mayfair in 2011, going on to secure a Michelin star within just six months of opening. Since then, he has opened a whole host of other restaurants in the capital, as well as places like Dubai, Shanghai and Mykonos.

Dinner will cost £85pp, with a set lunch menu available for £35pp. Bookings will be available from mid-August. jasonatherton.co.uk