As the festive season reaches full swing, London's culinary scene shows no sign of slowing down. This December 2025, the capital welcomes an eclectic array of new restaurant and bar openings, offering everything from high-end Turkish feasts to natural wine dens and a long-awaited mega-brewery.
Late-Night Glamour and Culinary Pioneers
Leading the charge is Dover Street Counter in Mayfair, the rebellious late-night sibling to the acclaimed The Dover. Opening its doors on December 1 at 31 Dover Street, it promises 1950s Los Angeles vibes and a menu of grilled half-lobster and disco fries, staying open until 2am at weekends.
Meanwhile, in Clerkenwell, a cult favourite is expanding. Passione Vino opens a new outpost inside the old Family Business tattoo parlour on Exmouth Market on December 5. Founder Luca Dusi will offer personalised wine advice and a menu of stacked sandwiches featuring oxtail and smoked trout.
Also in Mayfair, the team behind Knightsbridge's The Mantl launches Chargal on December 11. This three-floor townhouse at 11 Berkeley Street will specialise in open-fire cooking, serving high-end Turkish classics like wagyu İskender.
Brewery Debuts and Pop-Up Residencies
One of the most anticipated openings is the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, finally arriving on December 11 after a 2022 announcement. The vast site at 1 Mercer Walk will offer tours, tasting sessions, and multiple dining options including rooftop oyster bars.
In Borough, a promising pop-up takes residence. Chef Tom Geoffrey's Cambodian-inspired concept, Barang, is now open upstairs at The Globe Tavern on Bedale Street, serving dishes like venison laab until spring 2026.
Finsbury Park welcomes the return of a beloved duo. From December 9 to January 31, 2026, chef Josh Dallaway and sommelier Sinead Murdoch bring their acclaimed Tasca residency to Blackstock Road's Giacco's wine bar.
Neighbourhood Gems and Italian Classics
Islington gains a new destination for natural wine lovers. Stable Wines opens on December 1 at 344a Essex Road, from the founders of Goodbye Horses, encouraging customers to drink on-site alongside cured meats and cheeses.
Finally, Dalston gets a new Italian eatery. Hoax opens in early December at 390 Kingsland Road, taking over the old Chick N' Sours site. It will feature classic pasta dishes upstairs and a basement cocktail bar named The Devil You Know.
This diverse collection of openings proves that London's appetite for innovative dining remains insatiable, offering fresh experiences for every taste and occasion as the year draws to a close.
