5 Hot New Restaurants To Book In London This August

London has seen a whole host of exciting new restaurant openings this July, including Adam Byatt’s riverside brasserie and the first bricks-and-mortar venue of cult pizza favourite ACE Pizza. And while August is often a quieter month when it comes to launches, there’s a decent amount of newness for foodies to get their teeth stuck into this month – particularly for those living east.

New London Restaurant Openings: August 2025

1. The Steakhouse: The Black Cow at The Stage, Shoreditch

Steakhouse The Black Cow first opened in Camden earlier this year, but now it’s relocating to Shoreditch, opening within the site where the historic Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre used to be. Located within the aptly named apartment complex The Stage, the eatery mixes up the traditional steakhouse concept with its use of Middle Eastern flavours: think harissa, za’atar and preserved lemon. To begin, there will be small sharing plates of cornbread with lamb butter, and lamb merguez corn dog with labneh, followed by the main event: prime cuts of steak, including picanha, T-bone and onglet, sizzled up on the Josper grill and served tableside with flaming herbs. All this can be paired with cocktails like the Ottoman Martini, made with vodka, Kahlua and Turkish coffee, alongside wine from lesser known producers. Founders Shiri Kraus and Amir Batito have ensured the venue’s theatrical roots shine through with an open kitchen and a private dining space called The Back Stage, accessed via dramatic velvet curtains.

When? 2 August 2025

Where? The Black Cow at The Stage, 30 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3NL

BOOK: theblackcow.co.uk

2. The High-End Spanish Restaurant: Legado, Shoreditch

After growing up in Bilbao, chef Nieves Barragán moved to London, earning a name for herself as executive chef at prestigious Spanish eatery Barrafina. She went on to open Mayfair tapas bar Sabor in 2018, which later secured a Michelin star. Expectations, therefore, are high for her next opening, Legado, translating as ‘legacy’ in Spanish. Launching in collaboration with JKS Restaurants – the group behind hotspots like Gymkhana – Legado will showcase the lesser known traditional dishes enjoyed all over Spain, from the Basque Country to Mallorca. Ingredients will be pivotal to the offering, with a focus on whole animal butchery, including ham from Señorío de Montanera, a company specialising in 100 percent Iberian pigs that roam freely. Seafood will also feature heavily, with dishes like Mediterranean, paprika-spiced prawns, and lobster with chilli and garlic, plus a grilled catch of the day served with Ajada sauce from Galicia. Other highlights, meanwhile, will include the Legado Sandwich, made across a two-day process with Swiss chard, smoked cheese and Cecina (a type of salted and dried Spanish meat). There will be an entirely Spanish wine list, plus a selection of vegetable and fruit-based cocktails, served in bespoke ceramics. And on warmer days, the outdoor terrace is sure to be popular, offering tapas and pintxos throughout the day. 

When? 28 August 2025

Where? 1C Montacute Yards, 185-186 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6HU 

BOOK: legadorestaurants.com

3. The New Pizza Spot: Bad Boy Pizzeria, Bethnal Green

Pizzerias are popping up thick and fast in London, and this August it’s all about the hotly anticipated opening from Bad Boy Pizza Society. Started by four friends as a parody society at the University of Southampton, BBPS began its life as a hub dedicated to pizza-related activities, offering special discounts for students. But before long, the founders began making their own pizzas, which they sold first at local house parties, then via a delivery service during lockdown. Several pop-ups later – and after scooping up the National Pizza of the Year award twice – the team are launching a permanent site in Bethnal Green. New York-style pizza takes centre stage, alongside other Italian-American mains like chicken vodka parms, giant sharing caesar salad and deep-dried burrata in spicy marinara. Drinks-wise, diners can try BBPS’ own house lager and easy-drinking wines. The restaurant space itself will be low-lit and cosy, with bar seating where you can watch the chefs in action. Visit on the opening weekend to get 50 percent off food, plus a free beer.

When? 8 August 2025

Where? 419 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AN

BOOK: badboypizzasoc.com

4. The Revamped Pub: The Macbeth, Hackney

The Macbeth is a Hackney institution, having been around for over a century – and recently becoming known for its live music offering, which has seen the likes of Florence + The Machine playing there. This August, it looks like food will be playing a more important role, thanks to a relaunch helmed by London-based chef Jaime Allan, best known for running The Plimsoll in Finsbury Park. He’s joining forces with friend Patrick Nolan to herald a new era for The Macbeth, focusing on small plates inspired by Portugal’s tascas (small, family-run restaurants), with food served late into the evening until 11pm. There’s no menu yet, but we’re told dishes like chicken samosas, pork and cheese rolls, and snail rice are all set to feature. The pub will be sporting a fresh look too, upholding its original features while jazzing it up with some new additions, like an English oak bar. 

When? 13 August 2025

Where? 70 Hoxton St, London N1 6LP 

BOOK: the-macbeth.co.uk

5. The Burger Joint: Junk Burger, Marylebone

Smash burgers are one of the biggest foodie trends of the moment, spearheaded by trendy newbies like Junk Burger, the French import which opened its doors in Soho last year. It’s proven a big hit, so much so that the founders have decided to launch a second branch, this one in Marylebone. Opening on St Christopher’s Place this August, the burger joint will serve the same menu as the Soho original: brioche buns filled with UK-sourced meats, cheese and the signature house sauce, alongside a veggie alternative. Burgers range from the modest M to the giant XXL, which includes a whopping five beef patties, available alongside fries. 

When? August 2025

Where? 14-15 St Christopher’s Pl, W1U 1NJ

BOOK: junkburgers.co.uk