Whether you are searching for a new date night spot, post work margaritas, football food done properly or a dessert stop that feels straight out of an Italian holiday, these are the places worth adding to your London list right now.
1. Rhum Tavern For Pirate Era Cocktails and Candlelit Escapism
What:
Hidden beneath the streets of Oxford Circus, Rhum Tavern channels the romance and danger of 17th century piracy through rare rums, atmospheric interiors and theatrical cocktails. Created by hospitality visionary Gabriel de-Vere, whose portfolio includes some of London’s most visually iconic venues, the bar feels intentionally detached from modern London life.
Food & Drink:
Cocktails here lean heavily into dark spirits, spice and storytelling. Expect rare rums, smoked serves and rich tropical flavours presented with dramatic flair. The candlelit interiors and hidden away feel make this less of a quick drink stop and more of a full evening experience. It feels transportive in the way the best London cocktail bars do — immersive without becoming gimmicky.
Location:
48 Margaret St, London W1W 8SE
Book here.
2. Macellaio RC Soho For Theatrical Italian Steakhouse Dining
What:
Macellaio RC continues redefining the London steakhouse scene through authentic Ligurian cooking, dramatic tableside butchery and beautifully sourced Italian ingredients. Founded by Roberto Costa, the restaurant group has built a loyal following thanks to its immersive approach to dining, where dry aged beef and handmade pasta are treated with equal importance.
Food:
The star remains the Marango beef, dry aged and butchered with visible precision, but the wider menu deserves attention too. Handmade pasta, rich antipasti and seasonal desserts balance the heavier steakhouse elements beautifully. There is an old world Italian warmth to the experience that makes the theatricality feel genuine rather than performative.
Locations:
Soho: 39-45 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6LA
Exmouth Market: 38-40 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE
South Kensington: 84 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3LQ
Book here.
3. The Compton Arms For Rake’s Viral Hotdogs
What:
Rake’s cult favourite hotdogs have officially returned to The Compton Arms, and they may quietly be some of the best pub food in London right now. Created by Michelin Guide recognised kitchen residency Rake, the hotdogs are available now during the wonderful sunshine and have already built near legendary status among North London food lovers.
Food:
Every component is made entirely in house, from the sausages down to the ketchup. Premium pork mince is blended with Cornish Hog’s Pudding and Compton lager for extra richness and spice, while old English style manchet buns hold everything together perfectly. Beef fat mustard and sharp house ketchup elevate the experience far beyond standard pub food territory. Comfort food with genuine craft behind it.
Location:
4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD
Book here.
4. Velvet Taco Broadgate For £6 Margaritas and Summer Happy Hour Energy
What:
Recently landing in London from the US, Velvet Taco has quickly become one of the City’s liveliest post work spots. Known for globally inspired tacos and bold flavours, the restaurant has now launched its Summer Sips menu featuring £6 margaritas and Modelo beers throughout the week.
Food & Drink:
The new margarita menu is clearly the main event here. Guava, blood orange, hibiscus, grapefruit and spicy Fresno variations bring a colourful summer energy designed for terrace season. Paired alongside Velvet Taco’s flavour packed tacos, the entire experience feels built for after work groups, casual dates and long summer evenings in Broadgate Circle.
Location:
Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS
Book here.
5. Kitchen at Holmes For London’s First Hackney Gelato Terrace
What:
Kitchen at Holmes has transformed its Baker Street terrace into a Mediterranean inspired gelato destination in collaboration with Hackney Gelato. Running throughout summer, the terrace combines frozen desserts, cocktails and floral terrace aesthetics into one of Marylebone’s sweetest seasonal openings.
Food:
The menu fully embraces indulgence. Think gelato filled brioche sandwiches, DIY affogatos spiked with Amaretto or Frangelico, and cocktails infused with flavours like Sicilian lemon and clotted cream strawberry. The dessert and cocktail crossover feels playful without becoming novelty, while the terrace itself delivers exactly the kind of European summer atmosphere Londoners chase every year.
Location:
108 Baker Street, London W1U 6LJ
Book here.
Why These Matter
London’s most exciting food openings right now are leaning heavily into experience. Whether that means immersive cocktail bars, football food elevated to Michelin level attention, or gelato terraces inspired by Mediterranean summers, these launches all offer something beyond simply dinner reservations.
They create atmosphere, escapism and the kind of evenings people actually remember afterwards.
For more recommendations, visit TONE Magazine LDN and our Eats page.
