New openings in May 2026: Restaurants, hotels and bars

Oudh 1722, Borough, London

Photo: Rebecca Dickson

 

Chef Aktar Islam has opened his debut London restaurant, Oudh 1722, in London’s Borough. Islam, who is also behind the two-Michelin-starred Opheem in Birmingham, is showcasing Awadhi cuisine, a royal culinary tradition originating from Lucknow in northern India. The region was recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy late last year.

 

Opening date 1 May

Typical dishes Shorba warm broth; nargisi kofta (soft golden egg yolk and spiced venison); kakori kebab of finely minced lamb shoulder with chilli and rose

Address 66 Union Street, London SE1 1TD

 

Avi, Lowndes London hotel, London

 

The team behind the Basque-inspired Prince Arthur pub in London’s Belgravia has launched American-French restaurant Avi at the Lowndes London hotel. The kitchen is headed by Joshua Conte, who has worked at the likes of the Boathouse in Henley, Heston Blumenthal’s the Crown at Bray, Chiltern Firehouse and the Dorchester.

 

Opening May

Typical dishes New York fried chicken and caviar; Le Big Mac avec truffle; spicy tomato tequila paccheri

Address 21 Lowndes Street, London SW1X 9ES  

 

Mason & Fifth, Belsize Park, London

 

London-based hospitality and lifestyle brand Mason & Fifth is to open its fourth site within the Ivy Bank estate in Belsize Park. The boutique guesthouse will offer 56 studios ranging from classic to Best in House studios on the top floor. There will also be a communal kitchen, a co-working or ‘Wine Down Friday’ lounge, and a private garden.

 

Opening 18 May

Room rate £180

Address 2 Ornan Road, London NW3 4PT

 

Lokal, Fitzrovia, London

 

The operators who launched Fred Bakery and Faros have launched contemporary Turkish restaurant Lokal in London’s Fitzrovia. Lokal is split between 110 covers indoors and 14 covers outdoors, and also offers a dedicated cocktail bar. Head chefs Salih Serden and Akacan Agir lead the kitchen.

 

Opening date 1 May

Typical dishes Fennel salad; grilled octopus; lamb loin

Address 7-8 Market Place, London W1W 8AG

 

Maai, Clapham, London

 

Chef Nikita Pathakji, who was recently crowned Great British Menu Champion of Champions, is to open her debut restaurant, Maai, alongside her mother Rima and sister Isha, in London’s Clapham. Maai, meaning ‘mum’, will combine Pathakji’s heritage and travels across the globe with her love for seasonal British produce. A vegetarian tasting menu will also be available.

 

Opening date 20 May

Typical dishes Chaat tartlet; sea bream with kalamansi ponzu; barbecue paneer with palak purée

Address 33-35 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9JW

 

130 Primrose, Primrose Hill, London

 

Social enterprise restaurant 130 Primrose has launched in London’s Primrose Hill with executive chef Monica Galetti. The 50-cover brasserie takes over from the former site of Home Kitchen Diner, another social enterprise restaurant led by former Ynyshir chef Adam Simmonds, and will continue to hire staff who have faced or are at risk of homelessness.

 

Opening date 8 May

Address 130 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 8XL

 

Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Bishopsgate, London

 

Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Global has opened its 100th restaurant worldwide, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at 22 Bishopsgate. The all-day diner seats 250 peple and is located on the 59th floor of the City of London’s tallest building. It serves more than 30 new dishes, in addition to a £55 per person afternoon tea.

 

Opening date 6 May

Typical dishes Sticky toffee pudding; Ramsay Roast; Gordon Wagon Wheel

Address 59th Floor, 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4BQ

 

Arcade, Covent Garden

 

JKS-backed food hall concept Arcade is to launch its third outpost in London’s Covent Garden. The 12,000 sq ft, 385-cover site features two standalone restaurants, Luke Farrell’s third Plaza Khao Gaeng, as well as a central dining area showcasing several Arcade brands.

 

Opening date 12 May

Typical dishes Plain Tom Gracey’s pizza; gaeng som muu yang (sour curry of pork belly, green taro stem and tamarind shoot)

Address 6 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HZ

 

The House Bar at Brixton House, Brixton, London

 

Brixton House chair Levi Roots has partnered with local business owner and chef Karma Sherpa to launch the House Bar in south London. It serves a mix of Jamaican, Latin American, Colombian, Argentinian and Mexican food and also aims to support the community.

 

Opening date 30 April

Typical dishes Brixton bowl; chicken dumplings; Reggae Reggae sauce chicken wings

Address 385 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8GL

More new openings

 

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in April 2026

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in March 2026

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in February 2026

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in January 2026

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in December 2025

>> New restaurants, hotels and bars opening in November 2025