Social Pantry founder to launch Soane's Kitchen

Social Pantry founder Alex Head has announced plans to launch Soane's Kitchen, a new restaurant and café at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery in Ealing, west London.

Set to open in July, the 70-cover restaurant will be housed within the original walled kitchen garden at Pitzhanger Manor, which was built between 1800 and 1804 by acclaimed British architect Sir John Soane as a country retreat to entertain his friends.

The all-day menu at Soane's Kitchen will feature light, seasonal dishes, using as much produce as possible from the on-site kitchen garden.

Main menu highlights include: burrata with broad beans and radish; grilled baby carrots with ricotta; bavette steak with carrot top pesto; and sea bass with confit tomatoes.

The Sunday bottomless brunch menu will feature signature dishes such as summer pea on toast with feta and poached egg; and a Ginger Pig fry-up.

In addition to the main restaurant will be the Larder, a grab and go offer serving take away pastries, sandwiches and coffees.

Social Pantry has worked with Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust and Ealing Council to create an informal space that aims to bring the outside in and make the most of the landscaped and historic setting of Walpole Park.

Architect firm Jestico + Whiles has designed to restaurant using natural woods and a colour palette of pinks, nudes and cream. The space will also have the flexibility to create a 30-cover private dining area.

“For me, as a business owner, my aim is to be as sustainable as possible whilst ensuring that every meal we deliver is as delicious as the last.”

Head’s Social Pantry business actively supports a number of charity partners, including Key4Life and Bad Boys Bakery, which both encourage ex-offenders into jobs within the hospitality industry after prison.

Head uses guest chef-led Social Suppers to raise awareness of these causes. This activity will continue at Soane’s Kitchen, with a monthly-changing guest chef series to launch in August.

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