Originally earmarked for a summer 2022 launch, Socca, a bistro in Mayfair from duo, Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi of Bibendum in Chelsea and restaurateur Samyukta Nair of LSL Capital, will open on 14 February.
Set on a corner of South Audley Street, the pairs first joint foray, will pay homage to their love of the French Riviera, and the coastal towns of Cannes, Marseille and Nice.
Samyukta and Tom Strother from Fabled Studio have meticulously restored and collaboratively reimagined the beautiful building, which has been serving Mayfair diners since 1901.
Set back behind sky blue awnings and the charming garden terrace, the design draws inspiration for the new bistro from institutions like La Columbe d’Or and the whimsical stylings of Villa Santo Sospir.
Claude has crafted a menu of delicate simplicity, seasonal to its core, where comforting dishes are elevated with refined skill. Patrons will begin with Green olive tapenade; Socca; and Menton tart.
Following with starters like Globe artichokes & Ortiz anchovy dip; Salad of puy lentils, confit shallots & sherry vinegar; or Mediterranean octopus, harissa, preserved lemon and parsley. Pasta dishes will include Blue lobster Orecchiette; and Shellfish rice, and there will be favourites like; Gratin of tripe & cuttlefish; and Pied Paquets Marseillaise.
Many of the dishes will be nostalgic for Claude, bringing back memories of long summer lunches with his family in the South of France. Fish and meat dishes will include Troncon of Turbot, sauce Romanesco; Whole baked Sea Bass in salt crust; British shellfish persillade; Beef cheeks Provencal; and Veal cutlet, sauce Piccata.
These will be sent to the table alongside; Shoestring fries; Green beans, shallot & thyme confit; and House Mesclun salad.
Pudding will be no less arresting with honed classics like; Crème brûlée; Tourte aux Blettes; Warm orange blossom madeleine, olive oil ice cream; and Menton iced lemon sorbet.
Adjacent to the dining room is a bar and beyond, diners will discover a second residential snug-style dining room.
Calude said, 'It is with great anticipation we open our little pocket of the Riviera in London – a place with terrific French food at its heart. As we say at home ‘un peu trop c’est juste assez pour moi’, a bit too much, is just enough for me!'
Added Samyukta, 'Socca will mark our fifth opening in Mayfair, and it has been a joy to partner with Claude, we can’t wait to throw open our doors and welcome locals, friends and family in the best way we know how – with good food and good wine.'
