FACT Chats: Celebrity chef Jason Atherton on winning two MICHELIN Stars
As Row on 45 in Dubai makes its mark, he shares his London expansion plans.
Celebrity chef Jason Atherton is crying in front of hundreds of people. It’s not often that you see famous faces overcome with emotions, but he’s at the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024 ceremony and has just won two stars for his restaurant, Row on 45. “It’s just a dream come true. It takes a lot to stay in the kitchen for 36 years. It’s no mean feat to work tirelessly and maintain standards. It’s a dream come true”. FACT caught up with the chef to chat about Saudi Arabia, Savile Row and those stars.
Jason Atherton was born in Sheffield, England. He grew up surrounded by hospitality, and was the son of a hotelier. When he was 16 years old, he moved to London and went on to work with chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Nico Ladenis and Pierre Koffman.
In 2011, he opened his flagship restaurant, Pollen Street Social in London which was awarded one MICHELIN Star. Despite the accolades, he remains down-to-earth – we’ve seen him do tours of his restaurant, take photos with everyone at events, and, of course, well up at the MICHELIN guide Dubai announcement.
Jason is no stranger to Dubai. He was behind the popular restaurant, Marina Social. In 2023, he opened City Social and Row on 45. He explains: “Dubai is a very special place to me. I met my wife here. The people are friendly, and we love what it has to offer, which is what keeps bringing us back. The dining scene in Dubai has become phenomenal and we love trying new restaurants. It’s a great place to spot emerging trends and innovative cooking methods.”
Row on 45
The phrase culinary journey is overused in Dubai, but it is apt at Row on 45 in Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel. When it opened in September 2023, FACT predicted that it was a MICHELIN Starred restaurant in waiting. The name draws its inspiration from Savile Row in London, which is famous for its tailored suits. What sets the concept apart is that it offers a tailored experience with different courses in different rooms – including one with an old MICHELIN Guide on the shelf.
Most restaurants win one and then two MICHELIN Stars, but Row on 45 made the mark in its first year with two. Jason remarks: “It felt amazing to get the recognition for the hard work we put in. MICHELIN represent the highest standard of culinary achievement, and this is what we strive towards every day.”
For diners who haven’t yet visited Row on 45, why should they come? He answers: “It offers a bespoke fine dining experience, which cultivates my journey through food memories across my lifetime, and working with the best ingredients of the highest quality. It’s a 17-course menu that unfolds in three acts, and it is sophisticated, refined and immaculately presented, delivering well-judged and complex flavours.”
Future projects
Jason has been cooking up a storm around the world. Today, he has restaurants in Hong Kong, Mykonos, Shanghai and more. In 2021, he opened Maraya Social in AlUla, and in 2024, he opened Marina Social in Jeddah Yacht Club.
“In Saudi Arabia, we don’t have anything else planned at the moment. We’re focused on continuing to deliver incredible culinary experiences for our guests. We never want to rest on our laurels and will continue to challenge ourselves and innovate in any way we can,” he explains.
Jason is turning his attention back to the London capital. He reveals: “We are introducing a new concept in London called Savile Row, which has always been a dream project. This will be our main flagship restaurant, standing alongside Row on 45. It will serve a British version of the menu, and showcase the best of what the United Kingdom has got to offer.”
After all the awards, how does he continue to be inspired? He shares: “There’s something fulfilling about creating memorable dining experiences that bring joy and satisfaction to guests. Seeing smiles on diners’ faces and hearing their appreciation makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
Jason Atherton: the gastronomic gamechanger.
GO: Visit https://jasonatherton.co.uk for more information.
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