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Harden's says
The reinvention of Little Social (RIP), which became No.5 Social (also RIP) but is now once again Little Social. It's still under the wings of Jason Atherton; chef Kostas Papathanasiou is running the stoves, serving up food with a seasonal British focus.
Harden's survey result
Summary
With the closure of Pollen Street Social opposite (as Mary’s, see also), Jason Atherton’s elegant small Mayfair venue is now one of his two remaining ‘Socials’. It still wins praise for its “delicious, bistro-style offer” (e.g. “superb succulent pork chop with mash”) and “lovely booths and dining at the bar”. But its ratings slipped this year: service has seemed more up-and-down of late; and there is a view that it’s “a competent bistro with sound cooking but otherwise unexciting”. Perhaps as the dust settles on the reshaping of the Atherton empire, it will regain its va-va-voom?
Summary
Jason Atherton’s elegant, “professional” wine bar and bistro is decked out in an understated, classic style that’s a little more retro than at his main gaff (Pollen Street), which is across the street. Here, chef Frankie van Loo offers less ‘foodie’ “bistro-style” dishes raised to a “superb” standard. The bar area is tiny, but “you can always have a pre-dinner drink at its big brother opposite, which has a great cocktail bar”. Top Tip – visit in summer, when you can eat outside on the pedestrianised street.
Summary
“Opposite Jason Atherton’s flagship in Pollen Street”, its “high-class and intimate” younger sibling is in a more straightforward bistro style, and offers “simple food done exceptionally well”. “Surroundings and service are warm” too, and “in summer you can eat outside on this pedestrianised street”.
Summary
Briefly branded ‘No 5 Social’, Jason Atherton’s “fun” bistro sits on the other side of the street from his original ‘Social’ mothership. Chef Frankie van Loo’s relatively straightforward menu is well-priced (three courses for £35) and wins solid support.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Little Social?
5 Pollen Street, London, W1S 1NE
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £24.50 | £27.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £13.80 | £34.00 | £8.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
5 Pollen Street, London, W1S 1NE
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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