May’s Hot New Restaurant Openings - London

Julies

The iconic Julies is set to re-open for a third time under new management on 8th May. Once one of London’s hottest restaurants visited by a parade of A-listers, closed in 2015 for a redesign. After opening in 2019, it finally closed its doors in 2022 but it’s back with a new owner, Tara MacBain (Cordon Bleu-trained chef). Chef Patron Owen Kenworthy (formally at Brawn and The Pelican) will be at the helm creating dishes such as lobster soufflé and carbinero carpaccio.

There will also be cocktails served tableside, a bespoke chandelier at the entrance and a new oyster shell-decorated bar.

The Counter Soho

Opening in Soho on 11th May, Turkish chef Kemal Demirasal is bringing the second The Counter (the first is in Notting Hill) to the old Jinjuu site on Kingly Street. This second restaurant will focus on the cooking in the Aegean coast so expect dishes to have Greek, Turkish and Levantine influences. We’re most excited for the seabass crudo and crab orzo but other dishes will include slow roasted lamb shoulder and other sharing dishes.

Downstairs, guests can enjoy a “listening and cocktail bar” called Under the Counter with drinks also influenced by Greece, Turkey and the Med.

Kioku by Endo at The OWO

Another strong opening inside the newly renovated The OWO is coming this month. Set in prime position, on the rooftop of the iconic Old War Office, Kioku (the Japanese word for memory) will be a reflection of Chef Endo Kazutoshi’s life and passion of his travels through Yokohama in Tokyo as well as Spain. The menu will mostly see Japanese dishes with a hint of Medditeranean including native lobster with fregola and cuttlefish nori pesto.

Guests will experience unbeatable views of Westminster and Whitehall - don’t fret though, they’re planning on fitting in as many seats outside on the terrace as possible! There will also be a private dining room that will seat 8 inside one of the buildings turrets.

Riverside East

Opening in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford for 17th May, the team behind Between the Bridges is finally setting roots. The large venue will feature a cafe seating 300 with a menu designed by Lulu Cox (formally of Rochelle Canteen) with chef Jamie Duvale (formally at Gordon Ramsay Group) at the helm. Dishes will include smoked trout with hash browns, halloumi slices and a delicious weekend brunch.

The Terrace (the larger outside space) will serve Hackney Gelato’s famous ice cream sandwiches and tubs for the warmer days. They are also planning on a smaller outside area called The Yard which will seat 1000 and serve street food by artisanal traders, markets and outdoor movie screenings. Oh, and there’s more.. there are plans for another restaurant to open later in the year!

SMSH BN

Another burger spot and another Soho opening! Opening on 20th May, Chef Mark Morrans (formally at MNKY HSE, Señor Ceviche, Inca London at Mistress of Mayfair), takes the trendy smash burger and adds a luxe twist with a wagyu offering. Expect Wagyu Cheese SMSH BN with their secret sauce, crispy shallots, American cheese and double Wagyu patties in a potato bun as well as vegan alternatives and skin on French Fries.

Unlike other burger places, this Charing Cross Road location will be open for breakfasts too with Breakfast Smash Muffins with sausage and eggs, as well as SMSH’d croissants filled with ham and cheese. Visitors can also expect milkshakes in a variety of unusual options such as Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel and Black Cherry.

Chez Roux

After the shock closure of Michel Roux’s Le Gavroche earlier this year, we’re pleased to be talking about this one! Opening in the Palm Court space inside The Langham on 22nd May, Chez Roux will feature a combination of British dishes and traditional French cooking methods. Expect dishes such as Welsh rarebit and grilled lobster with fries.

El Cenote

A new Mexican restaurant is landing in Camden in mid-May and its set to be a good one! Owner Amina Indigo is teaming up with Daniel Sanchez (who helped open Ella Canta) and Marta Ortiz (previously at Chingon Tacos). The menu will see dishes such as birria tacos and Carne Asada Norteña alongside plant based options like crispy mushroom tacos and sweet potatoes. The drinks will also be a huge focus with margaritas and other elaborate cocktails.