Update: Jason Atherton to phase reopening of The Social Company restaurants - but Pearl Social closed permanently

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has joined the ranks of many in the industry in announcing dates for his restaurants to reopen - and announced the permanent closure of The Pearl social in Qatar.

In a post on Jason and his wife Irha's website, the owners of The Social Company promised to take "a staggered approach" ensuring that all health and safety precautions are taken.

Jason Atherton's flagship, Pollen Street Social, The Social Eating House and The Blind Pig in Kingly Court and 5 Social in Mayfair will open on August 1st, while City Social will remain closed until the 1st September.

Reopening dates for The Betterment at The Biltmore in Mayfair and Berners Tavern in Fitzrovia's Edition Hotel are yet to be confirmed, dependent on when the hotels reopen.

The statement reads that "although it's been an incredibly tough period for everyone," lockdown has been a time for them to spend time with their newborn daughter, adding: "It has also given us the opportunity to review The Social Company and plan for an even bigger and better return."

Explaining the decision to open the restaurants gradually, it adds that "although we have missed you all dearly and we can't wait to reopen, we wouldn't do so without being confident that our restaurants are safe and secure places for you to feel comfortable visiting."

"When visiting, you will notice some differences, however these won't effect your overall dining experience. As a company we will continue to adhere to all advice provided by W.H.O and the local authorities. To meet social distancing guidelines, tables and chairs will be re-positioned to increase space for all guests, sanitising stations will be implemented throughout our buildings and staff temperatures and symptoms will be checked prior to every service. "

This article previously stated that Pearl Social in Dubai would not be reopening, as per the below Tweet by Bloomberg food critic Richard Vines. However, we have since confirmed that the chef's Dubai restaurant, Marina Social, has already reopened, and that it is in fact his restaurant in Qatar, Pearl Social, which wouldn't reopen.

Jason Atherton says he won't reopen Pearl Social in Dubai.
— Richard Vines (@Richardvines) June 25, 2020

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