Blog·Week of 12.10.26
New Discoveries: London Restaurant Openings, Week of October 12, 2026
A wave of distinct new venues sweeps into neighbourhoods from Shepherd's Bush to Stoke Newington, spotlighting Indian pub fare, Portuguese-led wine, Champagne burgers and inventive Italian plates.
October’s second week brings a varied sextet of newly discovered London restaurants. Familiar faces try new things—from Kerala drinking snacks in a Shepherd’s Bush pub to Michelin-starred takes on burgers in Notting Hill—while others, including a tech industry escapee, make their debuts. Here’s a brisk, evidence-backed look at each one.
Talli Queen
Avi Shashidhara, previously at River Café and founder of Pahli Hill, is behind this transformation of a 120-year-old Shepherd’s Bush pub. The menu draws on Kerala toddy shop traditions and the wider Indian drinking scene, serving dishes such as toddy shop clams, Kerala chilli beef, kebabs and goat nihari. Shashidhara’s own papadi chaat, seen on Great British Menu, is included. Sundays feature an Indian take on the traditional roast, and a serious drinks selection is underlined by 18 draught lines.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · thehandbook.com
Milk Burger
A former OMA chef with a Michelin star background has launched this Notting Hill burger destination at 50 Westbourne Grove. Offerings go beyond the standard, with marrow and truffle burgers paired to a dedicated Champagne list. Early visitors can receive a complimentary glass of Champagne or a dessert, one per person.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · hot-dinners.com · hot-dinners.com
Tilly's
This family-run wine bar has opened in Shepherd’s Bush, taking over a former pottery studio at 2B Mcfarlane Road. Its wine collection gives prominence to Portugal but also spans Lebanon, Cyprus, Spain, South Africa and even the Cotswolds. The opening night was a family affair with siblings and their mother working every job from dishwashing to bartending and DJing.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · hot-dinners.com
Conviviale
At 93 Grosvenor Avenue, Cat Barry—who left a tech career for hospitality—has started Conviviale. Expect curated cheese and charcuterie boards, and standout poutine made with hand-cut chips, homemade gravy, and specially sourced cheese. The ambition is clear as Barry balances comfort classics with attention to ingredients.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · hot-dinners.com
Cafe Eighty One
Knightsbridge sees the arrival of Cafe Eighty One, prominent for its afternoon tea service. Here, teas are curated, and the savoury courses rival the pastries, including a notably reimagined scone. The venue brings some of Michael O’Hare’s celebrated creativity (known for The Man Behind the Curtain and Inlamentation) into the capital.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · hot-dinners.com · jaguar.com
Da Pino
Reborn by part of Bianca’s old team, Da Pino in Stoke Newington at 175 Stoke Newington Rd refocuses on modern Italian with original touches—think tomato ravioli and raw scallops served with peanut milk. It marks a distinct new chapter for the address, distinguishing itself from its predecessor with a more experimental menu.
Sources and details: Localtime guide · theinfatuation.com