Social Eating House restaurant review
Words: Charlie Thomas
One of the hottest young chefs in the UK, Jason Atherton has well and truly made his mark on the London and indeed global restaurant scene. Social Eating House opened in 2013 as his third London venture on Soho’s Poland Street, offering casual fine-dining within an achingly cool setting.
Leading the numerous trendy restaurants that now make up much of Soho, Social Eating House boasts an understated exterior with minimal signage. Indeed, it would be very easy to walk right by without noticing it, such is the extent of its simple, elegant frontage.
Head inside and the low lighting lends it a romantic, heady feel, which is complemented by the masculine leather seating and dark wooden floor. The mirrored ceiling towards the back of the restaurant is perhaps a homage to the seedier side of Soho, yet here its all class.
Mr Atherton has proved to be one of the most talented chefs to come out of the Ramsey camp, and his creativity is on full display throughout the Social Eating House menu. The pre-starter ‘jars’ are genius and, at just £6 each, are great value for money ; the truffle salami, credites salad and almond and basil version is a particular highlight. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to have a couple of these and go straight to the mains, but that would mean missing out on the smoked duck ham, egg and chips starter. It’s caveman-esque in its simplicity, yet it’s one of the menu’s real highlights thanks to the intense flavour of the egg yolk and the sweet smokiness of the ham.
For mains it’s hard to go wrong. The Kentish saltmarsh lamb was cooked to perfection, working in harmony with the sweet miso caramel and the soft mint yoghurt, which both allowed the flavours of the meat to really shine. The real star of the show though is the venison loin. Slow cooked, its majestic colour is bettered only by the rich, juicy flavours that are enjoyed with every bite. The fig jam is the ideal respite and the brazil nuts give it the necessary texture, making it an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Social Eating House has come into its element now, after being opened for over a year. Its relaxed setting, informative staff and outstanding food make it a venue you’ll want to come back to again and again.
For more information and to make a reservation, click here.
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