Vincent Burke detects a bright start to the year for London’s hospitality sector

Despite ongoing worries especially around increased business costs from November’s budget, London’s hospitality sector has started 2026 brightly with new restaurants, bars and bakeries launching in the first few months of the year. A number of London pubs have also reopened after major refurbishment or a change of ownership.

Traditional
At the time of writing, a new Tamila restaurant was due to open on Poland Street in Soho, following the chain’s success in Clapham Junction and King’s Cross. The new branch will follow the model of a traditional south Indian curry house and will be the largest Tamila yet as it will spread across two floors, with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor and a private dining space in the basement.

One of the co-founders, Prince Durairaj, said: “Soho has always felt like a playground for some of London’s most exciting and much-loved restaurants, so opening here has been a real dream of mine. It’s such a special and energetic part of the city for hospitality, and I feel incredibly grateful to be bringing Tamila into the mix and rubbing shoulders with places I’ve admired for years.”

Expanded
Alley Cats, the cult New York-style pizzeria launched its fourth restaurant in London recently, with the opening of a brand-new two-floor restaurant in Portobello Road. New dishes such as their new Fat Cat Squares (Alley Cats’ own interpretation of Sicilian square pizza) have been created for the opening by Sicilian-born head chef Francesco Macrì, who has expanded Alley Cats’ offering while staying true to its New York spirit.

A second Fred Bakery recently opened near Oxford Circus following the success of its flagship branch in Holborn. It features a split-level layout with seating on both floors, designed to welcome both quick drop-ins and longer stays. The brand was co-founded by Burak Demirelli, the experienced restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur behind successful concepts such as Faros London and Lokal restaurant.

Landmark
On the pub front, Shepherd Neame has reopened the landmark Hoop and Grapes in Farringdon following a £1.8 million transformation. It is located just minutes from Fleet Street and dates back to 1721. Built on land that was once part of St Bride’s Church burial ground, the pub is famously associated with illicit ‘Fleet marriages’ linked to nearby Fleet Prison. Its colourful past is reflected in a bespoke swing sign depicting a clandestine wedding scene, alongside hand-painted external sign-writing that enhances the restored façade.

Appeal
Meanwhile Urban Pubs and Bars, which recently announced significantly increased profits, are opening three new pubs around London. They are the Duchess of Kensington (formerly Coco Momo) on Gloucester Road, the Prince Regent in south London and Old Street Tavern (formerly Serata Hall) on the edge of the City. The chain now operates more than fifty venues across the capital.

Many more pubs, hotels and restaurants are planned across the capital for later in the year, underlining the capital’s enduring appeal as a great place for both Londoners and visitors to eat and drink.

Vincent Burke is a content creator and communications consultant
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