Social Eating House is international restaurateur Jason Atherton’s third venture on the London scene, and his long-time collaborator Paul Hood is helming the kitchen here with signature dishes including ravioli of wild boar Bolognese and peppered hearts with kidney. Russell Sage Studios designed the interior with a mixture of bold industrial and luxurious elements; gold lamps shine against exposed concrete, ornate flooring lies below painted copper ceilings. First floor bar The Blind Pig adds an extra dimension, offering concoctions such as the powerful Thermonuclear Daiquiri. Private dining is available in the basement, too.
In their own words: “Chef Patron Paul Hood moves across from sister restaurant, Jason’s flagship Pollen Street Social, to head up the kitchen here. Paul continues to develop dishes closely with Jason, creating his own diverse and contemporary bistro menu that highlights his personal style of cooking as honed over their last six years of working together.
The simple yet carefully created dishes are complemented by a relaxed and attentive service in the comfortable, humble setting. Inspired by the buzz surrounding the resurgence of Soho, Jason’s vision has been to create a restaurant where diners can enjoy the key elements of the current London dining scene in an informal and social setting, and where the surroundings are as vibrant as the food.
Russell Sage Studios, the design team, has worked closely with Jason and the team to create an eclectic room full of character. Exposed brick walls, traditional white-washed copper ceilings and weathered leather banquette seats are complemented by key pieces of restored furniture on the ground-floor dining area. The first floor bar, helmed by Jason’s Group Bar Manager Gareth Evans, and affectionately known as The Blind Pig, has a similar vintage twist with antique mirrored ceilings and reclaimed wooden chairs. The basement houses a hidden ‘Employees Only’ dining space with an 8 seated wrap-around striking bar.”
