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When it comes to eating out in London, this March is set to be a biggie.
After a number of false starts, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants is finally set to reopen after closing six years ago during the pandemic. Simpson’s in the Strand will be back in action in mere weeks, according to restaurateur Jeremy King. ‘We’re not trying to make it trendier, or faster, or louder,’ he says of the storied spot.
When it comes to reopenings, Simpson’s isn’t the only returning legend. Much-loved east London pub The Gun has also just re-opened under new management, and Camden LGBT+ institution The Black Cap is set to return very soon, too.
What else is London saying right now? Well, the capital’s pizza obsession shows absolutely no signs of slowing up, with a former Dough Hands chef launching their own pizza pop-up at Islington’s Old Queen’s Head. There’s also a new Irish pub in Clapton, and a new listening bar in Walthamstow, for all your drinking and chin-stroking needs.
RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in London for 2026.
The 7 best new London restaurants opening in March 2026
1. The historic institution
Simpson’s In The Strand, Strand
Jeremy King – the hospitality brains behind the likes of Brasserie Zédel, The Wolseley and more recent Bayswater opening The Park – has been planning to reopen the legendary Simpson’s in the Strand for a while. Serving up traditional British fare since 1828, and beloved by literary luminaries Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Simpson’s was one of the first UK restaurants to earn a Michelin star back in 1974.
Address: 100 Strand, WC2R 0EW
Opens: First week of March
2. The tried and tested one
Forza Wine, Soho
In 2023 Forza Wine came for the South Bank, with its acclaimed National Theatre opening, and now the Peckham-born cocktails, natty wine and ace Italian-ish plates restaurant is taking on Soho. Launching in what was Daroco in Ilona Rose House – a nominee for the 2020 Carbuncle Cup for the UK's ugliest new building – we’re hoping that Forza will bring a spot of flair to this somewhat soulless space.
Address: Unit 1, Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, W1D 4AL
Opens: March 2
3. Big banquet energy
Teal, Hackney
After leaving The Pem, the great Sally Abé could be found cooking up a storm at The Bull in Charlbury. But the lure of London was evidently too much to ignore. She’s since sacked off the Cotswolds for Wilton Way, and is launching her first stand-alone restaurant in the space once occupied by Pidgin, then Sesta. She’s calling it a ‘British bistro’, and promises an almost medieval banquet spread of angels (and devils) on horseback, lockets savoury with stilton and pears, as well as Dorset crab royale, haunch of deer, and pickled walnuts with cavolo nero and mussels.
Address: 52 Wilton Way, E8 1BS
Opens: March 26
4. The taco revamp
Taq, Notting Hill
Longstanding Notting Hill fave Taqueria is getting a serious spruce-up. With Jackson Boxer of Brunswick House (and nearby Dove) on board, as well as new culinary director Eduardo Yishima (CDMX Tacos, Side Hustle), the Mexican restaurant is relaunching as Taq. A totally new menu will focus on tacos, tostadas and quesadillas, and specialties will include a chunky-sounding fish torta and a special taco inspired by Dove’s limited-edition cheeseburger.
Address: 141-145 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RR
Opens: March 3
5. The veggie hot spot
Holy Carrot, Spitalfields
Notting Hill’s Holy Carrot is set to bring its excellent plant-based cookery to Spitalfields. But there’s a twist – the second Holy Carrot will be vegetarian rather than vegan. Not a total pivot from the west London’s restaurant's original ethos then, and vegans will still be more than welcome, with most dishes abiding by their dairy-free doctrine. Holy Carrot started life as a supper club before a Knightsbridge residency, opening its first restaurant in 2024 on Portobello Road. It’s run by fashion journalist-turned-restaurateur Irina Linovich and chef Daniel Watkins, formerly of Acme Fire Cult in Dalston.
Address: 61-63 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA
Opens: March 13
6. The basement tequila bar
El Siete, Soho
Taq isn’t the only Mexican-adjacent rebrand this month, with El Pastor’s basement bar getting a new lease of life under the name El Siete. The agave bar has had a complete interior overhaul, inspired by the CDMX architecture of Luis Barragán, and the cocktails are marg-heavy, including a frozen melon margarita, which comes in a whole cantaloupe. Mini tostadas topped with avocado and pumpkin seeds, or yellowfin tuna with chipotle mayo, will provide all-important nourishment.
Address: 66-70 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9UP
Opens: March 14
7. French exchange
The French Connection at Levan, Peckham
Throughout the year a series of très bon French restaurants (each serving a £59 lunch menu) will be popping up in Peckham’s Levan one Sunday a month. Starting on March 8, the first event will be hosted by Auberge de Chassignolles from the Auvergne region, followed by Auberge de Bellevie from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region on April 12. Paris wine bar and bistro Deviant is next up on May 17, followed by Les Enfants du Marché on June 14 and Bambino on July 19, before the series takes a long summer break (very French of it, tbh). Of the pop-ups, Mark Gurney of Levan says: ‘The series aims to take our guests on a journey around some of our favourite parts of France, experiencing different styles, feelings and a sense of place through the power of food.’
Address: 12-16 Blenheim Grove, Peckham, SE15 4QL.
From: Monthly, starting March 8.
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