Jason Atherton to close Pollen Street Social

Jason Atherton is to close Pollen Street Social after 13 years running the London restaurant.

The chef opened the site in 2011 with a 45-seat 'social room' offering a no-reservations policy and a 60-seat main dining room that included a standalone dessert bar.

Pollen Street Social won a Michelin star three months after opening along with a raft of ‘best new restaurant’ awards from the likes of Time Out, The Good Food Guide and Square Meal.

The final service at the restaurant will be on 31 July.

Atherton told The Caterer: “After 13 years we have decided to go in a different direction. Pollen Street Social was an iconic restaurant and we are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved.

“It’s obviously very difficult to close what was always the flagship Social Company site, but the London dining scene is fast-paced and diners are looking for something a little different.

“We have some exciting plans for the future and will be announcing what we’re doing next in the coming weeks.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to all of the suppliers and staff who have supported us on the journey. Without their support Pollen Street Social would never have been the great success it was.”

Atherton won the coveted Chef Award at the 2012 Cateys in recognition of his achievements opening his first solo venture, followed by the Restaurateur of the Year Catey in 2014. He was awarded the International Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2023 Cateys, an award that acknowledged the growth and success of his restaurant empire.

The chef has plans for two new London restaurants, which he said would be revealed in the coming weeks.

Atherton added: “I’m looking forward to announcing what we’ll do next. In the meantime we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Pollen Street Social to celebrate the life of the restaurant with us.”