London’s hospitality scene is buzzing with new restaurant openings, luxury hotel launches and exciting refurbishments. From bold culinary concepts to iconic makeovers, here’s what’s making waves in the city.
New Look for Michelin-starred Benares
The celebrated Indian restaurant in Mayfair, has reopened following a major refurbishment. Guests can also look forward to the launch of a brand-new menu by Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, debuting next week.
These enhancements mark an exciting new chapter for Benares as it continues to redefine contemporary Indian dining in London. The makeover, led by interior designer Dale Atkinson of Rosendale Design, takes inspiration from the holy Indian city of Varanasi, colloquially known as Benares. The renovation transforms the guest experience with a striking new entrance, a dramatic candle wall, and a sophisticated bar for pre-dinner cocktails.
The once-monochrome dining room now bursts with colour, ornate ceiling artwork, and intricate backlit Jali panels, echoing the spiritual vibrance of its namesake city.
Since 2003, Benares has blended British ingredients with authentic Indian techniques. To complement the redesign, Executive Chef Sameer Taneja unveils a bold new menu, featuring Dum Ka Truffle Shorba, Vindaloo with oysters and Goan sausage, and classic favourites like Kukkad Makhani and Meat Korma.
La Môme Opens Tomorrow
The inimitable Ugo and Antoine Lecorché introduce their iconic Cannes restaurant, La Môme, to The Berkeley, bringing Riviera glamour to the capital.
Step into an elegant dining room, where Slim Aarons’ legendary photographs set the scene, or retreat to the terrace, with sweeping views of Belgravia as your backdrop.
Evenings at La Môme London are set to unfold to the soundtrack of live DJs, chanteurs and pianists. Indulge in signature dishes like tender Black Angus tagliata and flame-grilled octopus alla Luciana, with many prepared tableside with a flourish of theatrical flair. Begin with exquisite hors d’oeuvres and cloche-covered cocktails at the bar, and end with the aromatic soufflé au Grand Marnier or the melt-in-your-mouth Le Fondant chocolat.
Skylon Unveils New Look
Ahead of it's 20th anniversay, Skylon has been given a make-over, together with a reimagined menu and new state-of-the-art kitchen.
Perfectly situated on the Southbank riverside, above the Royal Festival Hall, Skylon now boasts a new Grand Central Bar as the central point of the restaurant, with stunning black porcelain that wraps all the way around the bar, offering a sophisticated setting. Dark walnut wood, bronze mesh, touches of red and vibrant gold embellishments create a unique, opulent and modern twist.
The new food menu, created by Head Chef Pavel, brings refined dishes championing seasonal British ingredients.
Weekends at Skylon are getting a refresh with live entertainment from Mark Charade, the Moustachioed Musical Maestro, and rotating jazz bands at Saturday brunch. A new Sunday lunch menu joins London’s top roast scene, along with a brand-new Afternoon Tea launching in March — just in time for Mother’s Day.
Tom Brown Returns to the Capital
Chef Tom Brown is delighted to announce his newest venture at The Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge, set to launch early this spring.
This marks a homecoming for Tom, who previously rose to prominence as Head Chef at The Capital Hotel’s celebrated restaurant, Outlaw’s. Tom then went on to open his own acclaimed Hackney-based restaurant Cornerstone in 2018, where he was awarded a Michelin star the following year.
Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, the new 28-cover restaurant will embody Tom’s signature style of clean, creative, and produce-driven cooking. The menu promises bold, fearless dishes showcasing exceptional quality and innovative techniques.
Tom Brown said: "Returning to The Capital Hotel feels like coming full circle. This is where I developed my style and found the confidence to go onto open Cornerstone. It’s a privilege to have my name over the door of a restaurant where legends of my industry have worked, and I in turn hope to make my mark”.
Isaac McHale Opens Bar Valette in Shoreditch
Renowned Scottish chef Isaac McHale (The Clove Club) has launched Bar Valette on Kingsland Road, bringing the vibrant flavors of Spain and southern France to Shoreditch.
Led by head chef Erin Jackson Yates, a Clove Club alumna, and sommelier Wilem Powell, the restaurant offers a carefully curated wine list featuring southern French, Spanish and global selections, plus an impressive array of sherries.
The menu includes bar snacks like devilled crab tartlets and buttermilk fried chicken with pine, alongside small plates such as raw ceps salad with duck egg and rabbit leg stuffed with mushrooms. Sharing mains range from pork chops and steaks to grilled trout and whole lobster.
Occupying the former Two Lights site, the 40-seat space is relaxed and intimate, with an open kitchen, paper-topped tables, and bistro curtains.
Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, Bar Valette trades Michelin ambitions for a convivial, laid-back dining experience.
New Luxury Cantonese for Fitzrovia
3 Gorges, an 80 cover, three-floor, contemporary, elegant Hubei and Cantonese restaurant, opens this month at Goodge Street. The venue features a ground floor bar and restaurant, a selection of lower ground floor private dining rooms and a continuation of the restaurant on the first floor.
This impressive new high end South Asian restaurant is owned and run by restauranteur Li Zhang, founder of Sichuan inspired Sanxia Renjia. Sanxia Renjia has branches in Fitzrovia, Bromley and Kingston. Chef Qian, one of London’s best regarded Cantonese chefs will be at the helm of the kitchen. Qian was recently Head Chef at Gouqi on Cockspur Street, one of the few Chinese restaurants in the UK to hold a Michelin Star. He was Head Chef at Sino in Virginia Water, Development Chef for Hai Di Lao Group and was part of the launch team of MiMi Mayfair. Prior to that Qian spent 10 years perfecting his craft at Hakkasan Group working his way up the ladder at their flagship London Restaurants in what is considered its golden era.
Hotel Investment
OYO, the hotel chain founded by Indian billionaire Ritesh Agarwal, has announced plans to invest £50 million in the UK over the next three years, creating 1,000 jobs.
This follows the company's announcement in late 2024 of its goal to open 40 new hotels across the UK.
OYO stated that its investment will focus on "premium" hotels, aiming to draw more international visitors. The company also revealed that it is in "advanced discussions" with several major hotel chains and real estate firms.
NEW RESTAURANT & HOTEL HOTSPOTS
Alfonsina Arrives in Smithfield
Situated in the heart of Farringdon, right across from the iconic Smithfield Market, Alfonsina promises an exploration of bold flavours. Chef owner is Ricardo Younis Moreno, an Argentian with Italian and Lebanese roots. With more than 20 years' experience, he's passionate about modern Latin American cuisine, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Santa Maria Opens in Kew
Santa Maria, already a favourite in Fulham, Ealing, Islington and Fitzrovia, is expanding to Richmond, Kew, bringing its signature Neapolitan-style pizzas to a new crowd. Launched by owners Angelo and Pasquale in Ealing back in 2010, this new addition brings expect perfectly blistered crusts — and plenty of local buzz — right from the start.
Tamila Adds Spice to King's Cross
Tamila, the South Indian eatery from the team behind The Tamil Prince and The Tamil Crown, is making its mark in King’s Cross. This follows their Clapham outpost, delivering crowd-pleasers like paneer butter masala, chicken lollipops, and gunpowder margaritas, ensuring a laid-back yet vibrant dining experience.
A New Venture in Knightsbridge
Embark on a Himalayan-inspired culinary journey at Vatavaran, the latest venture from Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai. Spanning four themed floors, the menu pairs classics like butter chicken with bold creations such as lobster neelgiri and rotisserie chicken kala masala with bone marrow sauce. Located at 14–15 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ, Vatavaran promises a luxurious dining experience for food lovers.
The Fresh Prince of Belgravia
Redefining the pub experience, The Prince Arthur is a new venue in Belgravia, bringing a touch of luxury with its top-tier Guinness tap system from Ireland and a Spanish-inspired menu by ex-BRAT chef Adam Iglesias. Expect elevated pub fare like lamb sweetbreads, monkfish with lobster bisque, and fresh seafood straight from the counter.
VENTURES IN THE PIPELINE
Cambridge House – Auberge Resorts Collection
Auberge Resorts Collection debuts in the UK later this year with a 102-room Mayfair retreat that seamlessly blends historic elegance and modern luxury. At Cambridge House, guests can enjoy a Georgian ballroom-style brasserie, exclusive club rooms, and a jasmine-scented courtyard—all designed by the acclaimed Jean-Louis Deniot and Laura Gonzalez.
Dukes London Renovation
Mayfair’s iconic Dukes London is undergoing a transformative refurbishment, blending modern sophistication with timeless charm. While the hotel temporarily closes, its beloved Dukes Bar remains open, continuing to serve its signature Martinis.
House of Gods
Scotland’s House of Gods, famed for its rock ‘n’ roll decadence, is set to shake up Canary Wharf later this year. Known for its opulent, maximalist interiors, this new outpost promises an immersive, high-energy stay, blending luxury with a rebellious edge.
Expect sumptuously designed rooms inspired by rockstar glamour, featuring plush velvet, gold accents, and dramatic mood lighting. The hotel will also boast a rooftop bar with skyline views, a live music venue, and a vibrant cocktail lounge.
Montcalm Mayfair
After a two-year closure and full renovation, Montcalm Marble Arch returns as Montcalm Mayfair, redefining luxury with 151 rooms, a wellness center, plunge pool, and a soon-to-be-revealed internationally acclaimed chef. This relaunch promises modern opulence at its finest. Due to open this spring.
The July
Amsterdam’s The July Group is bringing its apartment-hotel concept to the UK. Designed as a social hub for guests, locals, and foodies, this hybrid space is set to shake up London’s hospitality scene. No surprise that group's first UK apartment-hotel The July, lands in Victoria this July!
The Zetter Bloomsbury
Nestled near Russell Square, this 68-room boutique hotel blends style and comfort with interiors by ex-Soho House design director James Thurstan Waterworth. Guests can unwind at The Sitting Room bar or enjoy breakfast in The Orangery, all within a chic yet cozy setting. The Zetter Bloomsbury is due to open in October.