REINTRODUCING SOCIAL EATING HOUSE AND THE BLIND PIG

Recognised as a London institution, Social Eating House heralded the age of informal high-end dining. Opened by Jason Atherton and Chef Patron, Paul Hood, in 2013, the modern British restaurant is inspired by the creativity, glamour and buzz of Soho - the beating heart of London’s social scene.

Social Eating House is exactly as the name suggests – it’s built as a ‘home from home’, set across three levels with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere and interiors, alongside elevated and interesting food with something to delight in every part of the menu. The ground floor restaurant is a relaxed dining room, the basement, an intimate Chef‘s Counter experience within the kitchen itself, and, tucked away on the top floor, world famous speakeasy, The Blind Pig.

Welcome to Social Eating House

Through the heavy wooden doors on Soho’s Poland Street guests find a beehive of bistro activity with wooden booths, copper topped tables and leather banquettes, set against exposed brickwork.

From one-course solo dining, to more-than-substantial sharing feasts, and affordable prix fixe menus to the intimate Chef’s Counter within the kitchen itself; the diverse offering at Social Eating House is designed to enrapture guests from start to finish.

Developed by Chef Patron Paul Hood (previously of Pollen Street Social), the menu is a love letter to seasonality, simplicity, and technical skill. The contemporary dishes champion the finest produce, cooked and plated to the highest level, including a selection of wood-fired meat, fish and seafood dishes.

The à la carte is made for sharing, and spans from snacks and small plates through to large dishes and Josper grilled meats sourced from the Lake District. Example menu dishes include:

Small Plates

Marinated Cantaloupe melon, pickled cucumber, cucumber & jalapeño ice

BBQ Romano courgette, Japanese aubergine, Westcombe ricotta, honey & meadowsweet

Larger Plates

Strozzapreti pasta, hazelnut & parsley pesto, burrata, arbequina olive oil

Cornish brill, Shetland mussels, Iberico de bellota ham

From the Josper

Honey brined saddleback pork cutlet, cauliflower, black pudding, charcuterie sauce

50-day aged côte de bœuf for two, Café de Paris butter, peppercorn sauce

Desserts

Salted maple syrup caramel & chocolate tart, fromage frais chantilly, vanilla pod sugar

Lime parfait, black sesame & kaffir Lime, Estate Dairy yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil

Prix Fixe menus are also available for affordable lunchtime and pre-theatre dining from Tuesday to Saturday. A steal in Central London, opt for two-courses for £24.50 and three-courses for £29.50.

The extensive wine list has been curated by Head Sommelier Andrea Cotichella from Old to New World wines, there is a bottle or glass to suit every budget and taste. For discernible drinkers, the Bin End wine list provides the opportunity to try a premium wine at an affordable price for a limited time.

In the kitchen… Chef’s Counter Experience

One for the epicureans, the Chef’s Counter experience in the basement kitchen serves up to eight diners at a time. For £95 per person, guests are invited to dine behind the scenes: personalised service, intricate dishes plated right in front of you with extreme precision, and an unparalleled insight into the kitchen.

The seven-course tasting menu is a masterclass in inventiveness, imagination, and attention to detail, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus available. Signature dishes are simply titled, but executed with a deft hand. ‘Ham, egg and chips’ served with Jamon Iberico de Bellota, Wigmore, artichoke is followed by Brill with BBQ leeks, leta and Jersey Royals; and Oakchurch Farm strawberry, basil ash, marigold and goat’s curd.

Behind the hidden door… The Blind Pig

A stalwart amongst London’s ebullient bar scene for discerning drinkers and hedonists alike, The Blind Pig is a nod to the old dens of iniquity and a Soho institution in its own right. Upstairs, through the velvet curtains, the speakeasy-style bar is a concrete enclave with dark brown leather seating, wooden furniture, antique mirrored ceilings and showstopping drinks to fuel dancing into the early hours.

The award-winning bar sets itself apart with creative and technical cocktails from Bar Manager, Alex Carpene, each with its own story to tell. The illustrated menus tease the ingredients, with the current iteration inspired by music through the ages. ‘Tracks’ include A Pop Revolution: David Bowie, a blend of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, honey rose syrup, Riesling and quince bitters; and The Dark Eighties: The Cure made with Ojo de Tigre Mezcal; Avallen calvados, Luxardo maraschino, Ancho Reyes verde and charcoal powder.

Alongside a selection of spirits, fine wines and beers, the cocktail list is also complemented with a bar snack menu created by Paul Hood. Think proper drinking fodder, from bites and snacks of padron peppers with sherry vinegar and toasted sesame, and spiced Koffman’s chips with curry mayo, up to aged steaks from The Lake District.

For further information and images, please contact Harriet on harriet@gemmabellandcompany.com.