One of London's most celebrated restaurant spaces is set for an exciting new chapter as the acclaimed Hoppers group confirms it will open a new branch in Shoreditch.
From British Fine Dining to South Asian Flavours
The Tea Building on Shoreditch's Redchurch Street, which previously housed the Michelin-starred Lyle's, will welcome Hoppers in early 2026. This marks a significant transition for the venue that was home to what many considered one of London's finest British restaurants for over a decade.
Lyle's, known for its 'utterly heroic British food' according to Time Out's food editor, served its final meal in May 2025 after more than ten years of operation. The restaurant had earned a loyal following and maintained its Michelin star throughout its tenure, making its successor a topic of much anticipation among London's dining community.
Hoppers' Expansion and New Culinary Direction
This will be the fourth London location for the popular Sri Lankan restaurant group, joining their existing sites in Soho, Marylebone and King's Cross. Notably, this represents their first new opening since 2020 when they launched their King's Cross branch.
The Shoreditch establishment will feature a notable evolution in Hoppers' culinary approach. While maintaining their Sri Lankan foundation, the menu will expand to incorporate flavours from South India, featuring dishes from regions including Chettinad, Madurai, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai.
Patrons can expect to find a selection of curries, dosas, biryanis and street food alongside signature Hoppers dishes such as their famous mutton rolls, jaggery lamb kari and bone marrow varuva.
A Personal Culinary Journey
Karan Gokani, founder of Hoppers, expressed enthusiasm for this new direction: 'This opening marks a very exciting new chapter for us. Over the past decade, Sri Lanka has been at the heart of what we do but our Indian heritage and journeys through South India have opened up a world of flavours, traditions and stories that have greatly inspired us.'
He added: 'At Shoreditch, we will celebrate many of the lesser known regions and dishes of South India while continuing to connect the dots between Lanka and India in a way that feels fresh, vibrant and deeply personal.'
The restaurant continues to be backed by JKS Restaurants, the same group that previously supported Lyle's, ensuring continuity of quality and vision for the prominent Shoreditch location.
The arrival of Hoppers in early 2026 will undoubtedly bring a new wave of excitement to London's vibrant South Asian dining scene, offering food enthusiasts an expanded culinary journey through the flavours of Sri Lanka and South India.
