Claude Bosi and Samyukta Nair’s Mayfair restaurant closes

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

Socca confirmed 30 November was the last trading day when The Caterer rang the restaurant last week.

Over the weekend, the pair posted on Socca’s Instagram: “It is with a very heavy heart that we have decided to close Socca. Opening our doors back in 2023, Mayfair has become our home. A place for both locals and visitors to enjoy seasonally-led Provençale dishes.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all of those who have dined with us over the years, it has brought the team such joy to welcome so many. It has been an incredible journey.”

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