London’s culinary scene is buzzing this October, and the best part is, it doesn’t involve pumpkin spice. From brand new branches to daring concepts, here are the hottest restaurant openings in the city this season.
- Fowl, St James’s – The Ethical Chicken Haven
- Opening on October 3, Fowl, a walk-ins-only eatery, is all about ethical dining. They’ll serve pasture-raised, soy-free birds from regenerative agriculture farms. Expect mouthwatering menu items like Pierre Koffmann’s chicken leg corn dog and La Grande Coque Pie for two with confit chicken hearts, livers, and cockscombs.
- Mambow, Clapton – Malaysian Marvel
- Chef Abby Lee is leaving her Market Stalls location in Peckham to open a permanent spot on Lower Clapton Road. Mambow, set to open at the end of the month, will feature more of Abby’s modern Malaysian cuisine and a garden terrace.
- Akara, Borough – West African Delights
- Following the success of Akoko in Fitzrovia, Akara is set to open in the Borough Yards development. You can indulge in black-eye bean fritters filled with delicacies like Carabinero prawns, hand-dived scallops, ox cheek, and chanterelle mushroom patê. Don’t forget to try the delightful Ghanaian bofrot doughnut.
- Bambi, London Fields – Food and Wine Extravaganza
- Taking over the beloved Hackney restaurant Bright’s Netil House location on October 6, Bambi, from co-owner James Dye and former Peckham Cellars chef Henry Freestone, promises dishes like cauliflower cheese arancini and chicken parm ciabatta. It transforms into a music-led wine bar on weekends.
- Café Lapérouse, Whitehall – French Elegance
- Café Lapérouse, with a history dating back to 1766 in Paris, brings a slice of French elegance to the OWO (Old War Office) building by Royal Horse Guards. Opening on October 3, this 174-cover restaurant offers classics like creme brulée, croque monsieur, snails, and sole meunière in a plush setting adorned with massive chandeliers.
- Kolae, Borough – Southern Thai Flare
- Kolae, named after a popular open-flame cooking style in southern Thailand, is the latest venture from the Som Saa team. Opening on October 27 in an old coach house, Kolae serves tantalizing dishes like marinated half kolae chicken and pickled green mango dirty Martinis.
- Saltine, Highbury – Neighborhood Gem
- Fink’s cafes across north-east London introduce Saltine, a proper restaurant with chef Phil Wood. The menu features fresh, seasonal delights like fried stracciatella and anchovy sandwiches, slow-roast lamb, and pigeon with inventive twists. Interiors enthusiasts will adore the 1970s Lübke German dining chairs.
This October, London’s culinary scene is heating up with an array of exciting and diverse dining options that are sure to delight food enthusiasts and explorers alike.
