This week’s new openings round-up introduces trend-setting cultural restaurants to the culinary scene.
KRICKET
Kricket, a new modern Indian restaurant founded by Rik Campbell and Will Bowlby, officially opened its doors earlier this week in Shoreditch at 36, Charlotte Road.
The opening celebrates the launch of a new all-day Kafé and bar concept, which perfectly complements its à la carte menu.
Located in a former Victorian dispensary, the space features high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and a cosy log fire. Designed by Cake Architecture, the jaipur pink walls, inspired by India’s ‘Pink City’, are decorated with curated artworks by chef Will Bowlby, blending the restaurant’s identity with Shoreditch’s creative and trendy vibe.
The founders said “We’re excited to bring our first-ever Kricket all-day Kafé and bar concept to Shoreditch, offering the perfect backdrop to launch our brand-new breakfast menu, which has been in the works for over a year.
“Shoreditch has long been on our radar with its vibrant food scene, and this year it’s set to become an even bigger culinary destination with a wave of new openings. We’re looking forward to the journey ahead.”
Brother Marcus
Eastern Mediterranean restaurant group, Brother Marcus are also set to open a restaurant in Canary Wharf this summer.
Dynamic duo Tas Gaitanos and Alex Large are bringing brunch, mezze, cocktails and Eastern Mediterranean wines to the heart of London’s bustling financial district as well as some Greek delicacies cooked over an open-fire grill.
The upcoming restaurant will be the groups largest restaurant yet with 174 covers.
Tas said: “We are excited to be bringing a slice of the Eastern Med to Canary Wharf. Think cocktails, skewers and mezze with long weekend brunches on our sun-soaked terrace.
“As we grow as a brand, we are always looking at ways to improve the guest experience and our connection to the Eastern Med with our menu and drinks list - particularly on the wine side with this new site. Brother Marcus Canary Wharf is an opportunity to showcase our new ideas and bring the area something fresh and unique, right in time for summer.”
Alex added: “For years, we’ve been drawn to the idea of opening a restaurant in Canary Wharf. The energy of Billingsgate Market and the vibrant mix of professionals and residents in the area make it one of London’s most unique communities; but it never quite felt right when we viewed units before. Fast forward to today, and Canary Wharf has become one of the most exciting parts of London for dining out, and our brand has developed to where we want it to be.
“What was once seen as a corporate district has transformed into a buzzing destination, with incredible restaurants, lively bars, art installations, green spaces, cinemas, and so much more. Whether you’re here to work, live, or spend the weekend exploring, the area now feels alive.”
BUBALA
Bubala has also announced it is opening a third location in Kings Cross this April.
The restaurant will feature a 65-cover ground floor dining room, an additional 25 covers upstairs, and 30 alfresco seats on the outdoor terrace.
Executive chef Ben Rand and Marc Summers have designed a menu that builds on Bubala’s much-loved dishes while introducing fresh new additions.
Signature favourites such as the oyster mushroom skewer with tamari, coriander seeds and confit latkes with garlic toum and Aleppo chili will return, alongside new dishes like charred cucumber tzatziki and Fava bean with vadouvan braised broad beans.
The wood-fired oven will play a key role in the open kitchen, serving dishes such as mujadara, a fragrant combination of lentils, rice topped with dollops of tahini, zhoug, and amba, and a Spanakopita Börek, a crisp, spiced, savoury pastry with a spinach and cheese filling.
Marc said: “We’re thrilled to bring Bubala to King’s Cross and to continue expanding our vision of accessible and exciting vegetarian Middle Eastern inspired cuisine.
"This new location is a perfect blend of the vibrant energy of the area and the welcoming atmosphere we’ve cultivated at our other restaurants. We can’t wait to share it with our guests.”
Kynd
To add to England's array of impressive restaurants, David Taylor is opening Kynd, a new produce-led restaurant in the West Midlands on February 28.
Kynd is set within the grounds of Hampton Manor which was awarded two Michelin Keys in 2024.
This will be David’s second restaurant at Hampton Manor after Grace & Savour. While Grace & Savour offers an immersive fine-dining experience, Kynd takes a more casual approach, highlighting simple, pure ingredients with a low-waste, farm-to-table philosophy.
Guests can enjoy hearty dishes inspired by French and British techniques, with Nordic touches reflecting David’s experience at Oslo’s three-Michelin-starred Maaemo.
He said: “I am in love with creating Kynd's food offering. Cooking over fire, with flavours you want to gorge over, in a warm buzzy atmosphere while showcasing the wonderful farmers and growers that are working hard to leave our land in a better way.
"This restaurant is to be a love letter to the amazing work people do to take care of our planet while growing, fishing or crafting delicious produce.”
Written by Abi Kinsella
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