Updated 27/10/23 with opening date
Big changes are coming to Soho's Michelin-starred SOLA - it's about to become twice the size.
The restaurant has been a fairly compact one to date (the open kitchen itself took up a fair chunk of space), seating only 24 people. The coming changes - the restaurant is closing for two months during the renovation - mean that it's about to get an entirely new lower-ground level and that's getting used for two brand new additions to SOLA.
First up is the new bar. From now on, the meals will start in the bar with drinks and canapes before you head up to your table - making it more of a promenade-style affair. Restaurants like Kitchen Table and Cycene do something similar to this. Next is the new private dining room which will seat 18. And (literally) on top of that, the dining room is growing so they'll be able to fit in 32 diners as well as getting a much bigger kitchen.
This sort of expansion is very rare, particularly in the centre of town, with the most recent example being The Oystermen (which doubled in size by taking over next door).
We were impressed with SOLA on a recent return visit, and it looks like the restaurant might be gunning for that second star with these changes. Certainly Garvey seems keen to push the kitchen to greater heights when it comes to the menu. "With this brand new iteration of SOLA, we plan to really delve into the American food that I’ve known since birth," he says, "exploring, deconstructing, and reinterpreting regional cuisine from both coasts and in-between. My Spanish and French heritage will always play a part in how I cook, as will my deep love of Japanese cuisine, but, with our expanded kitchen and infrastructure, we are now confident enough to really push the limits.”
More about SOLA
Where is it? 64 Dean Street, London W1D 4QQ
When? Reopens 23 November 2023 (yes, that's Thanksgiving).
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @solasoho
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