London’s ever-evolving restaurant scene promises a host of exciting new openings over the next 12 months.
Our specialists have picked the spots that they predict will cause the most hype, from big-name chefs at big-name hotels to exciting newcomers launching their first solo ventures. Become a member to keep up-to-date on these openings, and we’ll make sure you’re among the first to try them when doors open.
The Cocochine
Sri Lankan-born Larry Jayasekara made his name as head chef at Pétrus, but he’s now teaming up with Mayfair gallery owner Tim Jefferies to open his first solo venture. Taking up four floors of a fully renovated mews house on Bruton Place, the no-expense-spared project will feature an intimate dining room, chef’s counter, and incredible penthouse dining space. The menu promises to pay homage to Larry’s travels and, simply put, ‘the joy of eating’.
Morchella
Anyone who’s made the pilgrimage to Perilla in Newington Green will be excited to hear there’s a second restaurant coming to Exmouth Market soon. This time, they’re sweeping along the sun-drenched Mediterranean for inspiration, making it a sure-fire hit if it opens in time for spring. Taking over an old banking hall on the corner of Rosebery Avenue and Tysoe street, it’ll be interesting to see if they follow the stripped back aesthetic of the N16 original.
Wildflowers
There’s more Mediterranean flavour coming over in Pimlico, with chef Aaron Potter opening a new spot as part of the Newton’s Yard design hub. While the Instagram account gives very little away, we expect a design-conscious dining room and a menu packed with coastal flavours – the ex-Elystan Street chef has been testing dishes at a series of supper clubs that have amassed a loyal following.
AngloThai
We’ve been following news of husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak opening a permanent restaurant since late 2022 and, following a series of in-demand pop ups through 2023, it looks like this could be the year. As the name suggests, the concept transforms British ingredients into fiery curries, fragrant laabs, and spicy soups from across Thailand – all served with a well-chosen selection of natural wines to cut through the heat.
Camille
Clare Lattin and Tom Hill, the duo behind Ducksoup on Dean Street and Little Duck in Dalston Lane, are readying themselves for a much-anticipated SE1 opening, due to launch in February. With the market on their doorstep, they’ll be tapping into the local supply chain to put a seasonal British twist on provincial French cuisine.
Burnt Ends
There’s no stopping Harrods at the moment, with the department store set to add yet another big name to its ever-expanding list of restaurants. Australian-born Dave Pynt will be bringing barbecue perfection to the capital with an iteration of his Singapore sensation, Burnt Ends. We expect everything on the menu to be grilled, smoked, or barbecued in custom-built wood ovens and grills – and there’s no doubt that reservations will be as difficult to secure as at the SGP flagship.
Josephine
Having opened Socca in Mayfair and Brooklands at the Peninsula London last year, Claude Bosi is keeping up momentum with a new Chelsea launch coming soon. Named after his grandmother, Josephine will be an ode to the culinary heritage of his native Lyon, with hearty regional classics and wine sold by the metre (yes, it’s a thing).
Akira Back at The Mandarin Oriental
Inspired by his Korean up-bringing and modern interpretations of Japanese cuisine, Akira Back will oversee the restaurant line-up at the much-anticipated new MO hotel in Mayfair – due to launch this spring. The five-star hotel will house DOSA, a London outpost of Back’s Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant, with an intimate counter-style setting; an eponymous all-day spot; and a rooftop bar with views across Mayfair – a rarity in this part of town.
Endo at the OWO
This summer, third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi will open a rooftop dining room and outdoor terrace at the impeccably renovated Old War Office in Whitehall. Anyone who’s visited Endo at the Rotunda in White City, SUMI in Notting Hill, and HUMO in Mayfair will understand the level of perfection we expect at this highly anticipated opening – if you thought London’s sushi game was already strong, it’s about to get a lot stronger.
The Park, Arlington, Simpson’s in the Strand
Restaurateur Jeremy King – co-founder of The Wolseley, Brasserie Zédel and many others – is getting back in the saddle with three new openings following the sale of Corbin & King in 2022. Firstly, The Park will open at the new Park Modern building on the corner of Bayswater and Queensway, followed by Arlington at the old Le Caprice site in Mayfair (where he launched his career), and a relaunch of the historic Simpson’s in the Strand. It’s going to be a busy year for the man with the Midas touch.
Interested in finding new dining spots in London? Read our post on top roast spots
