French Riviera-inspired bistro Socca, located in London's prestigious Mayfair district, announced its closure on 30 November 2024, less than two years after opening its doors.
The restaurant, co-owned by Channel 4 star Samyukta Nair and two-time Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi, confirmed the closure to The Caterer.
Nair and Bosi have shared the news of their restaurant's closure with their patrons.
The announcement comes as a surprise to many, given Bosi's renowned culinary expertise. The chef has secured two Michelin stars on three separate occasions, and Nair is prominent in the food and hospitality industry.
The decision marks the end of a brief yet ambitious journey for the bistro, which comprised an interior seating area for 79 guests and a pavement-side terrace accommodating an additional ten.
The site, formerly occupied by Richoux Mayfair, underwent significant renovations under the guidance of designer Tom Strother from Fabled Studio.
Despite initial plans to open in summer 2022, extensive refurbishments delayed the launch until February 2023.
At the time of the launch, Bosi told The Caterer: “I’m excited for the whole menu - there’s good diversity on it. One of my favourites is the rabbit a l’ail. Very simple, very beautiful, the leg and breast roasted and braised with garlic and onion.”
Tim Hayward reviewed Socca for the Financial Times, stating: “I think I might love everything about Socca. I’m equally sure I can’t take it all at once.”
Its menu featured Mediterranean influences with dishes such as rigatoni of octopus bolognaise, grilled sole with Menton lemon and caper butter, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with jus Niçoise - a testament to Bosi and Nair's vision of bringing a slice of the French Riviera to London.
Samyukta revealed to Restaurant Online that "it is with great sadness that we have decided to close Socca.
"I have loved working with Claude on this project, and it has been an incredible journey for me and all the team. Watching so many diners come through our doors has brought me so much joy, and I want to say a huge thank you for dining with us over the last two years."
Claude added: "It has been a pleasure working with Samyukta at Socca. We are very grateful for all our guests, and their loyalty over the years."
