Jason and Irha Atherton to end New York restaurant partnership

Jason and Irha Atherton have announced the end of a six-year partnership between the Social Company and Starr Restaurants in New York due to a “difference in vision” for the Clocktower restaurant.

The Clocktower, which was launched in 2015 and marked the first collaboration between Atherton and US restaurateur Stephen Starr, received a Michelin star in the 2018 edition of the Michelin Guide USA.

The 90-cover restaurant is located on the second floor of the Metropolitan Life building and is part of the New York Edition hotel.

A spokesperson for the Social Company said: “[Jason and Irha] would like to thank the Edition New York, as well as Steven Starr personally for being professional and courteous throughout the partnership and wish him and the restaurant the best for the future. Jason and Irha will deeply miss operating a restaurant in New York and can’t wait to be back in the vibrant city soon.”

It comes after Atherton ended his seven-year partnership with the InterContinental Marina Dubai last month to open a trio of restaurants on the 43rd, 44th and 45th floor of Dubai's Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel.

It will be the 15th international project for the Social Company, which includes restaurants in Shanghai in China, St Moritz in Switzerland, and Alula in Saudi Arabia.