Ones To Bookmark: 7 New London Restaurants & Bars Opening This Month

Shiro

From the team behind Aqua Shard and Hutong comes a brand-new Japanese restaurant inspired by the buzzy dining culture of Tokyo’s Ginza. 

Shiro, opening up on the 5th of December, is headed up by chef Ken Miyake and will specialise in authentic Tokyo cuisine and techniques. Hero dishes include crystal sushi, layers of infused jelly laid on top of each sushi piece; grilled tiger prawns; and ramen set menus. 

Spread over two floors, the interiors are heavily influenced by both the Japanese appreciation of nature and the precision of craft, with a textured and monochromatic scheme. The restaurant will also boast an outdoor terrace, perfect for summer dining.

Florattica

For the best rooftop seat this Christmas, look to Florattica, a new east London haunt with views stretching across St Paul’s, Canary Wharf and the Thames. 

Inside the rooftop bar will boast floral installations inspired by east London’s textile industry and the silk-woven floral patterns created by local 17th-century French Hugernots. 

On the drinks front, the cocktail menu has been devised by head mixologist Serena Carrino, previously of Nightjar. Look forward to tipples such as Alma, a herby glass made with Casamigos Blanco, hibiscus amores espadin, ancho reyes, lavender syrup and citrus; and a sweet and sour tipple Inca, made from El Gobernador, Maraschino, marigold syrup, lemongrass air and citrus. 

Wanting something to soak up the booze? There’ll be a selection of small plates, including salmore tartare with chilli mayonnaise; a traditional lobster roll with crème fraîche, lemon oil and chives; and a charcuterie board with capocollo, speck, bresola and salmae finocchiona to share.

bar kroketa

Heading to Carnaby this December is Bar Kroketa, a brand-new Spanish-inspired bar from the team behind Tapas Brindisa. 

Opening just off Kingly Court, the postage stamp-sized space will bring the spirit of Spanish bar culture alive through traditional drinks and croqueta’s taking centre stage on their menu. 

Expect an informal affair, home to blackboard menus lining the walls and stool-side seating at the bar. As well as the signature croquetas, there’ll be a daily changing menu of small dishes, from sobrasada and goat’s curd with honey to a crab and aioli toastie.

Cecconi’s at Bicester Village

If you fancy venturing a little further afield to do a spot of Christmas shopping this December, make reservations at the newly launched Cecconi’s. Recently opened at luxury shopping destination Bicester Village, the Soho House & Co opening is hugely exciting. 

Following in its Mayfair sibling’s footsteps, the restaurant is home to stunning interiors and hearty Italian cuisine – think oven-baked pizzas, fresh seafood, Cicchetti and handmade pasta.

Tozi Grand Cafe

Opening up at Battersea Power Station is London’s first art’otel. Officially launching in February 2023, the hotel will welcome first stays from this month. 

From 12th December 2022, treat yourself to a stay at the hotel and sample the delights of all-day café and restaurant TOZI Grand Cafe, a new Italian restaurant inspired by the classic elegance of Europe’s Grand Cafes.  

Expect dishes such as aubergine parmigiana; lobster linguine with garlic and chilli; whole gilthead sea bream with lemon, dill and tomato; and veal Milanese with marinated tomatoes and rocket.