Jason Atherton is set to launch new concept No.5 Social in London's Mayfair next month in a rebrand of French bistro restaurant Little Social.
The restaurant will close on Friday after six years of trade, which Atherton described as "hugely successful". The new concept will have a focus on seasonal British produce, led by executive chef Kostas Papathanasiou (pictured) and restaurant manager Nils Cassignol.
Papathanasiou, formerly of the Ledbury and the Fat Duck, was previously senior sous chef at Pollen Street Social.
Atherton said: "Kostas has been an important part of the Social Company for the past three years and Irha [Atherton's business partner and wife] and I felt it was time he was given his own project to run. We are sad to say goodbye to Little Social. It has been a hugely successful restaurant since its opening in 2013, however, we felt it was time for a new direction and know Kostas and Nils together, will make a great team and success of No.5 Social."
The new site will launch on 8 May following a refurbishment. The restaurant interiors are being led by Rosendale Design, who are expected to create a brighter, relaxed-yet-elegant atmosphere in the 60-cover restaurant.
Dishes are expected to include English heritage tomato salad with goat's curd, almonds and fennel; poached Hebridean halibut, celeriac truffle emulsion and purée with pickled mushrooms and a black truffle beurre blanc; and roasted Herdwick lamb chop and cannon fillet served alongside crushed Jersey Royal potatoes, spring peas, cucumber and mint.
Kostas added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be working on this exciting project with Jason; to be given the opportunity to launch a new restaurant that reflects my cooking style is a real honour. I'm really looking forward to re-opening in May as No.5 Social and hope our guests enjoy the new menu and interiors."
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