The culinary landscape of London is set for a significant and flavourful addition this spring. Aktar Islam, the celebrated chef behind Birmingham's ground-breaking restaurant Opheem, is preparing to open his first-ever dining establishment in the capital.
From Birmingham's Star to London's Borough
This move follows a landmark achievement for the chef. In 2024, his Birmingham restaurant, Opheem, made history by becoming the first Indian restaurant in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars. This placed it in an elite global group, as one of only four Indian restaurants worldwide to hold such an honour. In the UK, it shares this two-star distinction solely with Mayfair's renowned Gymkhana.
The new London venture, named Oudh 1722, will open its doors in March 2026. It will occupy a striking three-storey townhouse on 66 Union Street, SE1 1TD, in the Borough area. This location was previously home to the restaurant Lupins, which closed in November 2025.
A Royal Culinary Tradition Comes to London
Oudh 1722 will not be serving a generic interpretation of Indian food. Chef Aktar Islam has chosen to focus exclusively on Awadhi cuisine, a regal culinary tradition originating from the royal courts of Lucknow in northern India. This style is known for its sophistication, delicate spicing, and elaborate cooking techniques developed during the era of the Nawabs.
Speaking about his vision for the restaurant, Aktar Islam said his intention is to bring the true flavours of Awadh to London. He aims to capture not just the recipes, but the generosity, techniques, and profound sense of hospitality that defined the dining culture of Lucknow's historic courts.
What to Expect on the Menu
Patrons can anticipate a menu that showcases the hallmarks of Awadhi cooking. This will likely feature an array of expertly grilled kebabs, intricately layered biryanis where each grain of rice is perfectly separate and fragrant, and deeply aromatic curries slow-cooked to perfection. Islam's expertise has been showcased to a national audience through appearances on BBC's Great British Menu and MasterChef: The Professionals.
The opening of Oudh 1722 represents a major coup for Borough's dining scene. It introduces a new level of specialised, high-end Indian cuisine to an area already rich with culinary offerings. The restaurant's success could well redefine expectations for Indian fine dining in London, bringing a rare and authentic taste of a royal Indian culinary heritage directly to the heart of the capital.
