Sael opens in Summer 2024
Located at 1 Carlton Street in St James’s Market, Sael is an affordable British brasserie unconstrained by stuffy fine dining principles. Sael follows a farm-to-fork philosophy, championing short supply lines and the natural quality of British Isles produce.
It occupies the 9,088-square-foot former Aquavit restaurant site in the heart of St James’ Market, a redeveloped area and former Medieval cattle market which now hosts a number of nationally recognised restaurants, hotels, and cafes just minutes from Picadilly. The concept is partly inspired by the aftermath of the pandemic and functions not simply as a place to eat, but as a destination for both tourists and Londoners to relax in a carefully curated atmosphere with superb food and excellent drinks.
It comes to us from chef-restauranteur Jason Atherton and his wife Irha. Atherton has accumulated experience in some of the world’s most revered kitchens, notably as executive chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Maze in London, and various accolades won in his own right both at Pollen Street Social and City Social. But unlike the Social Company restaurants - both known for sophisticated modern fare - Sael offers a programme of dishes composed solely of ingredients sourced from the British Isles at more approachable prices.
At the helm in the kitchen is Dale Bainbridge, who has spent over a decade at Atherton’s Michelin-star restaurant Pollen Street Social. However, this is not a just relaunch of the popular Mayfair joint. And it’s not just the menu that is home-grown. The restaurant also serves as a tribute to British music icons both past and present, so keep an eye out for some familiar faces. Plus, all the furnishings and decor come from domestic artisans and suppliers.