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Breaking news

April 2023: Jason Atherton has slashed prices at his London restaurants to encourage customers to dine out more often, saying people were feeling “alienated” by price rises at a time of economic tightening.

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.

survey result

Summary

£80
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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

£77
 ££££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“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

£73
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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.

Summary

£79
 ££££
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

The mid-2019 relaunch of Little Social (RIP) over the road from the Pollen Street mothership sees it re-invented but still under the aegis of the Jason Atherton empire; this Mayfair 60-seater now sports a softer, more classically luxurious style than its siblings. It’s to be a new showcase for chef Kostas Papathanasiou – whose CV incorporates The Fat Duck and The Ledbury – with a focus on seasonal, British cuisine. Top Tip – the prix fixe menu is a good deal for the area: £19.50 for 2 courses or £24.50 for 3 courses.

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

6
No dress code

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
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
MondayCLOSED
Tuesday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm
Friday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm
Saturday12 pm‑2:15 pm, 5 pm‑9:45pm
SundayCLOSED

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