It’s a tough time for the hospitality industry
We’ve already written about why 2025 was proving to be such a turbulent one for hospitality, thanks to the combination of increased VAT, increased National Insurance contributions, staffing issues and rising rent and energy costs. Sadly many restaurants are no longer able to keep operating – this is a running list of the restaurants that have closed in London in 2025 and 2026.
Spaghetti House – After celebrating its 70th birthday last year, Spaghetti House, one of the UK’s oldest restaurant groups, has closed its five remaining sites in Marble Arch, Cranbourn Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Kensington High Street after falling into administration. Rising operational, tax, employment and energy costs are behind the closures.
Ronnie’s – The NYC-inspired restaurant at the KITH flagship in London looks to be closed but it’s not clear whether it’s a permanent closure or a temporary one. There’s no table availability on any dates on the reservation link and the IG account has been wiped of any London content and replaced with posts about Ronnie’s Pronto, opening in LA.
Paradise – It’s unclear what’s happening with Dom Fernando’s Soho restaurant – the Google listing has it as permanently closed but the website reads “We will be back soon”, so it could only be a temporary closure. We’re hoping it’s the latter as we’re big fans of this Sri Lankan spot.
Big Night – This Hackney spot, which we loved for its skewers and vodka shots, is holding its last big night on 2nd May. No reason as yet has been given for the restaurant’s closure.
Hacha – Agave bar Hacha, famous for creating the Mirror Margarita, is closing its doors in Dalston on 25th April, which will be exactly seven years to the day that it opened. Owners Deano and Emma have said the reason is that they’ve outgrown the space and they’re looking for a new long-term home for the brand, so it’s not goodbye for good.
Caravel & Studio Kitchen – Both Regent’s Canal spots, the floating barge Caravel and the land-based Studio Kitchen, have announced their closures, writing on Instagram, “Caravel and Studio Kitchen have been forced to close our doors with immediate effect. We will provide an update as soon as the details are allowed to be made public.” Caravel founders Fin and Lorcan Spiteri departed the restaurant back in November, citing “circumstances out of our control”.
HUMO – The Mayfair spot closed at the end of March but the site isn’t staying empty as it’s being flipped into new fire dining concept IGNI, led by Theo Clench.
Humble Grape – The wine bar group has closed the doors at its Crouch End location but its sites in Battersea, Islington, Canary Wharf, Fleet Street and Liverpool Street remain open.
MEATliquor – Another one of the burger scene mainstays, MEATliquor has shuttered a number of its London locations in what looks like a restructuring move amidst ongoing challenges for the hospitality sector. Sites in Islington, Forest Hill, Clapham and Queensway have closed, leaving only the Oxford Circus and East Dulwich branches operating, along with its Covent Garden sports bar BLOODsports.
Patty & Bun – One of the OGs of London’s burger scene has announced the closure of four of its London locations – James St, Liverpool St, Kingly St and Northcote Road. You can still get your P&B fix in Canary Wharf, Swingers Oxford Street, Lane 7 Victoria and The Leyton Star, and on delivery.
Made of Dough – This pizza spot has been slinging pies in Peckham for nine years but it has now closed, due to “external factors”. South Londoners will still be able to get their Made of Dough fix though as it’ll be running deliveries from its Crystal Palace site Palazzo.
Bébé Bob – The rotisserie chicken-focused little sis to Bob Bob Ricard is listed as ‘temporarily closed’ but it’s not looking good for this site, which seems to be doomed.
Little Social – After running it for 13 years, Jason Atherton is shutting his Pollen Street site Little Social on 11th April. The chef still maintains a significant presence in the capital, with the likes of Row on 5, Sael and Three Darlings amongst his group.
Flat Earth Pizzas – Sustainable pizza spot Flat Earth Pizzas is calling it a day this spring – the official closing date is still TBC but will be mid-to-late April – after 6 and a half years in business. Owners Sarah and Rich announced the news on Instagram, saying “With over 30% of our turnover being taken away through central and local government taxing and ever spiralling operating costs yet another goose dies having laid its last golden egg. On top of that, a big old chunk of money has been stolen from us by our former landlord which means the goalposts haven’t just shifted – they’ve disappeared. It’s gone from stressful-in-an-expected-way to stressful-in-a-can’t-sleep kinda way. That’s no fun for anyone.”
Friends of Ours – A big loss for Hoxton as Friends of Ours, one of the best brunch spots in the city, has closed, writing on Instagram that “Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate we found we couldn’t keep up with balancing the high standards we were always known for and increased cost of, well, pretty much everything.” Sad news for East Londoners but the location at the Serpentine is still going strong so it’s not all bad news.
The Silver Birch – After five years in business, Chiswick restaurant The Silver Birch, which offered a modern European tasting menu, has closed. Owner Tim Price hasn’t given a reason for the restaurant’s closure, though it’s believed that not receiving a Michelin star may have played a part.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal – It’s one we’ve known about for a while but now Heston has confirmed that he’s closing his two-Michelin-star restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in January 2027, as his contract with the hotel comes to an end. The restaurant, which opened in January 2011 with Ashley Palmer-Watts as head chef, became famous for its historically-inspired dishes, like the meat fruit and the tipsy cake.
Dom’s Subs – One of our fave sandwich spots in town, Dom’s Subs, has closed both its Cullum Street and Hackney Road shops, after being issued a notice of forfeiture by their landlords. The sarnie crew say they haven’t been able to manage with the rising rents and bills at both of those sites. But it’s not all bad news – the Ludgate Circus branch is open as usual and the Hackney Road spot is being turned into something new already, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for that.
La Chingada – One of London’s best Mexican restaurants, La Chingada, has closed its original Surrey Quays location but before you get into a panic, the other two sites in Euston and Bermondsey are still open.
Field Notes – Ivan Tisdall-Downes only opened Field Notes in London Fields in October last year but it looks like the restaurant has already closed. No announcement has been made but the Instagram bio now reads “.. coming to a field near you!” rather than listing its Hackney location.
Tandoor Chop House – One of our fave Indian restaurants in town, Tandoor Chop House, has closed. No announcement has been made about the closure, with the website simply reading “We are now closed. Thank you to all of our customers over the years!”
Hachi Bakery – The Japanese bakery opened by the team behind Maru Mayfair and Taka Marylebone has shut up shop in Notting Hill.
Granger & Co – The Clerkenwell branch of the popular Aussie spot has closed, leaving the remaining sites in Chelsea, King’s Cross, Notting Hill and Marylebone.
Club Mexicana – Meriel Armitage closed the Kingly Court branch of her vegan Mexican joint Club Mexicana, famous for its tofish tacos and frozen margs, on 7th February. In a post on Instagram, she explained that the closure was due to the landlord making plans to redevelop the site rather than the restaurant not being successful. You can still get your Club Mexicana fix at its sites inside food halls Market Place Leicester Square, Boxhall City and Mercato Mayfair.
Club Gascon – The Smithfield restaurant, which has been in business for 27 years and held a Michelin star since 2002, is calling it a day this March, with the final service being held on 28th March. Writing on Instagram, owners Pascal Aussignac and Vincent Labeyrie said : “Since 1998, it has been our privilege to celebrate the cuisine and spirit of Gascony in London; welcoming guests from around the world and sharing a dining experience rooted in tradition, seasonality, and creativity.”
Mother Flipper – The fried chicken brand is closing its Brockley site, its first proper restaurant space, after two years in an effort, the owners say, to make sure they’re building something sustainable. Mother Flipper will still be doing events and trading at Brockley Market.
Papi – One of our fave restaurants in the city, Papi is closing in March, just after the restaurant’s fourth birthday. The final service will be on 7th March, with some classic dishes going back on the menu and some chef collabs returning before the doors close. Thankfully it’s not goodbye forever as the team have a new project in the works.
Nest – After nine years in business, in which the restaurant moved from Morning Lane to Old Street, Nest will be calling it a day this spring with a final service on 28th March. Announcing the closure, the Nest team said “When we first opened, our tasting menu was a measly £28! Since then, the relentless and extortionate rise in costs has made it unavoidable to raise prices in order to keep going. We truly believe our current menu still represents incredible value, but despite every effort, we’re no longer able to make the numbers balance.”
The Crusting Pipe – Popular Covent Garden bar The Crusting Pipe, which was one of the first tenants in the area’s redeveloped market hall in 1980, closed on 21st December after 45 years in business. The operators stated that it was changes in consumer habits and the trading environment that led to the closure.
Funkidory – Peckham bar Funkidory is shutting up shop on 20th December, with owners Anna and Sergio saying that the “storm of challenges” including the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the squeeze on small businesses has made it impossible to hold on.
The White Horse Mayfair – The wine bar run by the Hedonism Wines crew is closing on 19th December as the landlord is redeveloping the space. They’ll be clearing out the cellar with Bin Ends and some special bottles on offer if you want to raise a glass one more time.
Saltine – Highbury spot Saltine (which we loved) is closing on 21st December after two years in business. Announcing the closure on Instagram, the owners said: “The climate for small restaurants is a tough one — tougher than Covid — and though we would love for the Saltine story to be a longer one, short stories are sweet too.”
Jolene Hornsey Road – Big Jo, the restaurant at the Hornsey branch of Jolene is closing at the end of November. The group needs the space to increase bakery production (there’s a new site coming in the spring) so while there’ll be no more evening services in Hornsey, the bakery will remain open during the day, with baked goods, sarnies and a larger savouries offering.
Mildreds Dalston – The vegan restaurant group has closed its Dalston location, leaving the Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, Covent Garden, Victoria and Canary Wharf sites running.
Greyhound Cafe – After serving up Thai food with a twist to the people of Fitzrovia for almost ten years, Greyhound Cafe is shutting on 29th November, though it sounds like it won’t be goodbye forever, with the owners writing on Instagram, “This chapter closes softly, but trust us — we’re just popping out for a bit. We’ll see you again, somewhere soon.”
Lizzy’s On The Green – Beloved Newington Green cafe Lizzy’s On The Green has closed, with owner Lizzy citing the current financial climate as the reason behind the closure. Writing on Instagram, she said, “I wanted the café to be a community-focused, cohesive space—somewhere that offered something affordable for everyone. But with tightening margins and rising staff costs, it has become impossible for us to keep such a seasonal business running sustainably.”
FKABAM – The restaurant formerly known as Black Axe Mangal will close its doors on 20 December after 10 incredible years of loud, fearless cooking. One of London’s most original spots – and a big loss for the city’s food world. We can’t wait to see what Lee & Kate Tiernan do next.
Sesta – Drew Snaith and Hannah Kowalski have announced that they’ll be shutting their Wilton Way restaurant Sesta at the end of the year, saying “while we’ve loved every minute of bringing this little restaurant to life, sadly times are just too hard to make ends meet.” The final service will be on 20th December.
hello JoJo – Camberwell bistro and bakery hello JoJo, which we thought was a great new addition to the neighbourhood, is closing after just six months in business, with owners Rob & Jo writing on Instagram “Every part of this wonderful team gave it their all but we just couldn’t make it work.”
Silo – Doug McMaster has announced that he’s closing Silo, the world’s first zero waste restaurant, on 20th December after eleven years. Though the Hackney Wick restaurant is shutting up shop, it won’t be the end of Silo – Doug and the team have created Silo Systems, which helps design supply chains, fermentation programs, and regenerative models across the world, and this will now be the focus, with a series of pop-ups and collabs happening on a Silo World Tour.
KOYN – Samyukta Nair is closing her Mayfair restaurant KOYN on 27th September, with executive chef Rhys Cattermoul’s relocation to Australia cited as the reason for shutting. While the Japanese part of KOYN will be going for good, KOYN Thai, which took over the downstairs floor of the restaurant in 2024, will be relocated to a new Mayfair location.
Lyon’s – Crouch End seafood restaurant Lyon’s, opened by Anthony Lyon in 2019, is closing this autumn, with the final service taking place on 4th October. Writing on Instagram he said, “We will be taking a much needed break to reset and recharge and once we are back we will decide what the next chapter of Lyon’s looks like.”
Long Chim – David Thompson’s Thai spot has closed the doors on its Chinatown home – originally planned as a six-week pop-up, it was open for ten months, and Thompson is “confident” that the restaurant will make a return to the capital.
Pophams Restaurant, London Fields – Citing rising costs across produce, rent, bills and labour, combined with unpredictable early-week trade, Pophams has announced its intention to close its pasta restaurant on October 30th. The restaurant will continue evening trade between Wednesdays and Saturdrays until closure.
Claude Bosi at Bibendum – After failing to reach an agreement with its landlord, Claude Bosi at Bibendum closed on August 25, with the Oyster Bar set to follow on August 31. The team will now concentrate on the two-Michelin-starred Brooklands, along with Josephine in Chelsea and Marylebone.
Voyage by Adam Simmonds – The restaurant inside The Megaro Hotel in King’s Cross closed with immediate effect on 21st August after less than a year of trading. In a statement, the hotel cited poor trading and the tough economic environment as the reasons for the closure.
Fran’s – almost a year after opening Fran’s on Wilton Way, just a few doors down from her popular deli, Francesca D’Agostino is closing the cafe after the summer holidays. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, she details how trying to stay open during tough economic conditions has negatively impacted her health.
Akira Back at the Mandarin Oriental – After just over a year, Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair ended on 29th July. From 14th August, his former restaurants will reopen under new concepts. A big blow for the hotel given every space was designed around his brands.
Victor Garvey at the Midland Grand – we’ve had eyes on an email from the in-house finance team that shows that the restaurant has shut up shop as of 15th July, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Jeru – Mayfair Mediterranean spot Jeru, led by chef Roy Ner, is closing after four years in business, with the final service taking place on 7th August.
Burro e Salvia – one of the OG’s of London’s booming fresh pasta scene, the Redchuch Street restaurant has announced its closure after 12 years in business, though a final date has yet to be confirmed.
Soif – this Clapham wine bar and bistro will be pouring natural wines and serving terrine, tartare and rotisserie chicken for the last time on 28th July.
Mr Ji – originally opening in Soho, Mr Ji, known for its Taiwanese fried chicken and menu curated by Zijun Meng and Ana Gonçalves from TATA Eatery, relocated to Camden in 2022. The restaurant’s last service was 5th July.
Officina 00 – pasta restaurant Officina 00 only recently expanded with a third site in Covent Garden (joining the Old Street and Fitzrovia locations) in February. All three have now closed.
Margot – Italian restaurant Margot closed at the end of June, citing “the substantial business rate and national insurance cost increases imposed on us in this year’s budget.”
Goodman Canary Wharf – After almost 15 years in business, the Canary Wharf branch of Goodman steakhouse closed this year. Both the Mayfair and City sites are still open.
Chick ‘n’ Sours – both the Haggerston and Seven Dials branches of Chick ‘n’ Sours shuttered in June, with co-founder David Wolanksi saying, “It feels like the whole system is stacked against independent operators as we are being squeezed from every angle — food inflation, rising wages, relentless rent increases, service charges, and soaring utilities without the deep pockets to ride it out. It’s an exhausting, never-ending battle to keep the lights on.”
Tehran – Berlin – formerly The Drunken Butler, Yuman Hashemi’s Persian-inspired restaurant Tehran-Berlin in Clerkenwell is no more.
Hora – this new Mayfair restaurant with John Skotidas in the kitchen doing a menu that blended his Asian heritage, South American roots, and Greek upbringing, only lasted a couple of months.
Pizzeria Mozza – Nancy Silverton opened a UK outpost of her LA restaurant Pizzeria Mozza at the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone in 2021, and it lasted four years, closing in June.
Norman’s – the Tufnell Park caff was an elevated take on a greasy spoon, doing fry-ups and classic British comfort food like ham, egg & chips; chicken & leek pie; bangers & mash; and rice pudding.
Lyle’s – one of the best restaurants in London, Lyle’s closed after eleven years in May. The restaurant was opened with the backing of JKS, who will be retaining the Shoreditch site, with Lyle’s founder James Lowe opening his own solo project.
The Gun – the Well Street pub, which had recently hosted residencies from Rake and Supa Ya Ramen, closed in March due to unsustainable rising costs.
The Petersham and La Goccia – both restaurants at the Covent Garden branch of The Petersham have shut, though the Richmond site is still operational.
Forza Win – the restaurant, which started as a supper club way back in 2012 and most recently had a home in Camberwell (the space is now home to hello JoJo), stopped trading in February. The team’s other group, Forza Wine, is still going strong in Peckham and at the National Theatre.
Cafe Britaly – the Peckham spot was only open eight months but “challenging trading conditions of 2024, compounded by the autumn budget” made it impossible for them to keep the doors open.
