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Sael

London, St James's - Modern British - Restaurant - £££

Confident, punchy fine dining from Jason Atherton

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Exceptional

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Exceptional

It isn't exactly news that top-end dining in London has become even more riotously expensive than it has ever been, but one heartening development is the willingness of proven chefs to venture into the more affordable end of the market without compromising on quality or excitement. One of Jason Atherton's newest such ventures is here, on a corner of St James's Market, a cheering venue flooded with light from deep windows. In a classy ambience of marble and leather, with chandeliers and flowers to boot, Sael (the name is Old English for season but also, fittingly, for an occasion) offers a tribute to British heritage cooking in an all-day format.  The more democratic approach does not preclude extraordinary attention to detail, as head chef Dale Bainbridge (ex-Pollen Street Social) demonstrates with a range of appetisers that includes an intensely savoury Marmite custard tart (optionally topped with caviar) or tempura rock oyster with malt vinegar-doused batter scraps. Small plate...

It isn't exactly news that top-end dining in London has become even more riotously expensive than it has ever been, but one heartening development is the willingness of proven chefs to venture into the more affordable end of the market without compromising on quality or excitement. One of Jason Atherton's newest such ventures is here, on a corner of St James's Market, a cheering venue flooded with light from deep windows. In a classy ambience of marble and leather, with chandeliers and flowers to boot, Sael (the name is Old English for season but also, fittingly, for an occasion) offers a tribute to British heritage cooking in an all-day format. 

The more democratic approach does not preclude extraordinary attention to detail, as head chef Dale Bainbridge (ex-Pollen Street Social) demonstrates with a range of appetisers that includes an intensely savoury Marmite custard tart (optionally topped with caviar) or tempura rock oyster with malt vinegar-doused batter scraps. Small plates encompass a memorable assemblage of Orkney scallop, razor clams and smoked leeks.

From a menu section headed ‘mid-plates’ comes a fantastically delicious, multi-layered lasagne of Hereford snails and ox cheek, while the British fondness for east-Asian food is celebrated in gochujang-grilled cuttlefish with soy-braised pork cheek. Prime cuts of meat and fish cooked in embers take in the expected Aberdeen Angus and shorthorn beef, but also a tronçon of aged brill on the bone. Sides rise above their role as mere extras – especially when the broccoli is dressed with smoked anchovies, and the mash is lubricated in chicken gravy.

Nursery puddings are creatively reworked, as in a recklessly sweet jam roly-poly made with brioche, smoked butter, strawberry jam and Jersey custard, or you could come to a quite satisfying sticky end with apple-vinegared English burnt cream and a brandy snap. The wine list is quite a corker, casting a very wide net, with glasses from £8. Otherwise, order by the pint (just over half a litre, for the youngsters among you) from £36.

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R Carty

21 May 2025

I was hoping we had found a restaurant worthy of recommendation, but I see the GFG has got there before us. But what can I add? On a Tuesday lunchtime the atmosphere was relaxed, marred slightly by 1970s rock music, whic...
I was hoping we had found a restaurant worthy of recommendation, but I see the GFG has got there before us. But what can I add? On a Tuesday lunchtime the atmosphere was relaxed, marred slightly by 1970s rock music, which would have been more appropriate in another setting. Our service was exceptional, the sommelier recommended wines to accompany my wife’s Toulouse style sausage and mash, and my starter of Cornish mackerel, jalapeño, BBQ, pineapple and lime. The mackerel was served as carpacc...
I was hoping we had found a restaurant worthy of recommendation, but I see the GFG has got there before us. But what can I add? On a Tuesday lunchtime the atmosphere was relaxed, marred slightly by 1970s rock music, which would have been more appropriate in another setting. Our service was exceptional, the sommelier recommended wines to accompany my wife’s Toulouse style sausage and mash, and my starter of Cornish mackerel, jalapeño, BBQ, pineapple and lime. The mackerel was served as carpaccio squares, with the accompaniments encircling, the BBQ sauce however was not a good blend. For my main course: native lobster, prawn and scallop lasagne baked in a lobster sauce. The sommelier came over again with a choice of two whites to taste, I have never been offered a tasting choice before. Presentation was excellent, even playful. Value for money: £150 for two is very good value in this part of town. We will come again.
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VENUE DETAILS

1 St James's Market
St James's
SW1Y 4QQGB

020 7993 3251

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Counter seating, Wheelchair access, Family friendly

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