Jason Atherton to open British brasserie in former Aquavit site

Jason and Irha Atherton are to open a new brasserie restaurant in the former Aquavit site in London’s St James’ Market this summer.

The couple said Sael would serve “affordable, no-holds-barred cooking” that celebrated all things British without “the shackles of traditional fine dining”.

Its kitchen will be led by Dale Bainbridge, who has worked with the Athertons’ Social Company group for a decade and is currently executive chef at their Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social restaurant in Mayfair.

In March, Jason announced Pollen Street Social would run its final service on 31 July after 13 years of trading as diners were increasingly looking for “something a little bit different”.

Sael will occupy a 9,088 sq ft site in the St James’ Market development in Piccadilly, which is also home to Fallow and its sister restaurant, chicken concept Fowl.

The opening was announced in partnership with the site’s landlord, the Crown Estate.

Jason and Ihra said: “St James’s Market is an iconic British landmark in the heart of London. Originally the site of a medieval cattle market, it is steeped in a rich history that makes it the perfect location for our new concept, Sael.

“To be able to work with the Crown Estate in such a location on a quintessentially British-style brasserie is a dream of ours, delivering affordable, no-holds-barred cooking to the British public and international visitors.

“By celebrating our fantastic ingredients in an innovative way, we can get rid of the shackles of traditional fine dining and create a place for people to relax and enjoy not only the excellent food and drink, but the whole atmosphere, with a carefully designed fit out and artwork showcasing British music icons past and present.

“We feel that, after four unsettled years during and following the pandemic, Sael will provide a much-needed celebration of all the amazing culinary delights from our Isles.”

Jason opened Pollen Street Social in 2011 and has since grown the business into an international restaurant group with seven sites in London, including Michelin-starred City Social, and eight across the world.

He was awarded the International Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2023 Cateys.