Claude Bosi and Samyukta Nair’s Mayfair restaurant to close

Claude Bosi and Samyukta Nair are closing French bistro Socca in London’s Mayfair after less than two years of trading.

Socca confirmed to The Caterer that tomorrow (30 November) will be the last trading day.

Chef Bosi and restaurateur Nair took over the former site of Richoux Mayfair to transform it into an upmarket bistro inspired by the French Riviera with the support of designer and long-term collaborator Tom Strother of Fabled Studio.

The 89-cover restaurant (with 79 inside, including four in the bar area, and a further 10 on the pavement-side terrace) was originally scheduled to open in summer 2022, but the extensive renovations led to its opening being delayed into February 2023.

Socca served the likes of rigatoni of octopus bolognaise; grilled sole, Menton lemon and caper butter; and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with jus Niçoise.

At the time of the launch, Bosi had told The Caterer: “I’m excited for the whole menu, there’s good diversity on it. One of my favourites is the rabbit a l’ail. Very simple, very beautiful, the leg and breast roasted and braised with garlic and onion.”

Tim Hayward reviewed Socca for the Financial Times, stating: “I think I might love everything about Socca. I’m equally sure I can’t take it all at once.”

Image: Steven Joyce