RestaurantsLondonWestminsterSW1Y

Harden's says

With the closure of Pollen Street, this new opening (debut late autumn 2024) in St James’ Market becomes Jason Atherton’s most poshly located operation in the West End. It’s on the grand and spacious, 115-cover site that was formerly Aquavit (RIP), made over with low lighting and dark hues; and incorporating a separate bar. The aim is accessible, best-of-British cuisine that’s less ‘haute’ than at Pollen Street (though from its relocated chef, Dale Bainbridge).

survey result

Summary

Hot on the heels of reformatting Pollen Street Social (into Mary’s, see also), this new opening (debut late autumn 2024) in St James’s Market may become Jason Atherton’s West End flagship. It’s on the grand and spacious, 115-cover site that was formerly Aquavit (RIP), made over with low lighting and dark hues; and incorporating a separate bar. The aim is accessible, best-of-British cuisine that’s less ‘haute’ than at Pollen Street (though from its relocated chef, Dale Bainbridge).

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Have you eaten at Sael?

1 Carlton Street, London, SW1Y 4QQ

Sael Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Sael Restaurant in SW1Y, London by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Sael restaurant.
Colin C
Monday night was quiet as to be expected. S...
Reviewed 1 months, 9 days ago

"Monday night was quiet as to be expected. Staff were falling over each other to service the table as it was not busy. Eager to give a great experience and offered extra dishes for us to try."

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What the Newspaper Critics are saying

Evening Standard

David Ellis was the first critic to review the latest of Jason Atherton’s current wave of five London openings, finding it “a restaurant for anyone, at any time, on any occasion”.

He reported with approval that “price seems to be a priority for Atherton” (who has recently declared that ‘fine dining’ is just too expensive these days), so wine is sold by the pint (cheaper than a bottle), there are prix fixe meals at £28 for 2 courses and £32 for 3, a “heaving Sunday roast under £30”, and a service charge of just 9%.

The “enormous menu”, meanwhile, is generous and full of “treasures” – “big, heavy, comforting, blanket-by-the-fire stuff”, such as slices of Marmite custard tart “with blow-torched tops and endless umami”. “Hereford snail and ox cheek lasagne billed as ‘100-layer’ might numerically disappoint, but with its honking great flavour — and maths hardly a strong suit — I didn’t give a monkey’s.”

David Ellis - 2024-10-20
1 Carlton Street, London, SW1Y 4QQ

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