Jason Atherton opens bar at Victoria Palace Theatre

Chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton has joined forces with London’s Victoria Palace Theatre to launch his first bar called Pavlova’s.

Named in homage to the famous Russian ballerina whose golden statue stands on top of the theatre, the bar is open all day for both theatre-goers and non-ticket holders.

Atherton said: “I’m delighted to be launching Pavlova’s in Victoria’s bustling theatre district in partnership with Sir Cameron Mackintosh. The Victoria Palace Theatre is a stunning building and we’re honoured to now be a part of its longstanding history.”

The 20-cover bar offers coffee and croissants in the morning with a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, paninis and other snacks available for lunch and dinner.

Created by group bar manager at Social Company, Jay Doy, Pavlova’s drinks list has a gin focus offering more than 38 types from a ‘hidden’ gin cupboard.  Cocktails include The Dying Swan consisting of gin, elderflower, citrus, cucumber and herbs, served in a musical box.

Closing its Social Wine and Tapas restaurant earlier this month and re-branding its Mayfair bistro Little Social as No.5 Social in May, the launch of Palova’s has come during a period of change for Jason Atherton’s Social Company restaurant group.

With the Social Company currently operating 15 restaurants worldwide, Atherton will also oversee the restaurants at The Biltmore Hotel on Grosvenor Square from this summer.

Owner of The Victoria Palace Theatre, which is currently hosting musical hit Hamilton, Sir Cameron Mackintosh said: “When I restored and extended the Victoria Palace Theatre, I planned to open part of the building as a bar available to the general public, not just theatregoers.

“I wanted to partner with one of London’s most brilliant restaurateurs – and to my mind Jason Atherton is top of the bill, so I was thrilled when Jason enthusiastically agreed to create Pavlova’s.”

Launched on 21 June, Pavlova’s is now open.