Pollen Street Social

Chef counter dining

Afternoon tea

The last time I dined at Pollen Street Social was 7 years ago, I still recalled when it was first launched, the restaurant was the talk of the town with its informal approach to British fine dining in a relaxing and modern manner. The price was also fairly reasonable with £25 for a 3 course set lunch. A lot of things have changed since then, chef-owner Jason Atherton has expanded his restaurants offering with multi Michelin stars across the UK, the dessert bar of PLS has also transformed into a chef counter dining experience zone, where an 8-course tasting menu is on offer. I always wanted to return to Pollen Street Social so the counter dining was the perfect excuse for me to return for my 5th visit.

Sea trout roe tart

Orkney scallop, tomato, lemon and apple

Morel and parmsen rice

The marinated raw Scottish scallop was heavenly; sweet and creamy with stunning tomato water and pepper granita to enhanced the freshness of the shellfish. The turbot course showcased the best of British ingredients, combing spring peas and Jersey royal to create something so familiar but with such a refined, elegant taste. The fish was perfectly seasoned and the flesh was as smooth as it can get, it was very enjoyable. The Herwick lamb saddle was the last savory course and what a good ending it was. The lamb was tender with a rich gamy taste, which worked like a treat with the garnish of olive to balance off the bold taste. The side of lamb sausage was packed with spices and herbs aroma, which added a new umami element and turning the dish into a state-of-the-art lamb roast dinner.

Turbot, mustard leaves,  peas, and Jersy Royal

Lamb saddle, garlic, sausage and olive

Yuzu parfat

The counter dining was by far the best Pollen Street Social experience I have ever encountered. The restaurant really has taken prime British ingredients to good use, turning out stunning, flavorsome dishes. The balance of flavours and the freshness of dishes were easy to spot, and the presentation was not bad either, not overly complicated but still beautiful on the eye. I would rate Pollen Street Social one of the best 1-star restaurants in London along with the likes of Five Fields and Davies & Brooks, Jason has taken modern British cuisine to a really high standard.

Food 4.5/5

Executive chef: 
Jason Atherton

What I paid: 
£220 per head with wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
£135 tasting menu

8 Pollen St  London, Greater London W1S 1NQ

www.pollenstreetsocial.com/