Eight of the best new UK restaurants to try in 2022
There's a host of exciting new restaurants opening in the UK in 2022.
The second half of 2021 saw a huge number of new restaurant openings across the UK, despite hospitality having been one of the worst hit sectors during the pandemic. And there’s no sign of this slowing down in 2022, with a long list of launches already announced. From major international chefs to homegrown talent, UK diners have plenty to look forward to.
1. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh
Opening in spring
Legendary Scottish hotel and golf resort Gleneagles is opening a smaller boutique hotel, members’ club and restaurant in Edinburgh’s old Bank of Scotland Building. Set in the centre of the old banking hall, the restaurant, The Spence, will be an all-day affair offering comforting classics with a modern twist.
2. Dumpling Shack & Sichuan Fry, London
Opening in April
It’s back to where it all began for Dumpling Shack, which is opening a two-in-one concept in London Fields, where it first sold dumplings from a market stall. The ground floor of the new spot will serve Sichuan fried chicken, while in the basement you’ll find a classic line-up of dumplings and noodles.
3. Yellowhammer, Stockport
Opening in March
Sam Buckley, of Stockport’s Michelin Green Star-awarded Where the Light Gets In, is to open a new venture in the city. The chef is joining forces with baker Rosie Wilkes and potter Joe Hartley to open Yellowhammer, which will feature a bakery, deli, pizza, natural wine and a pottery shop.
4. Berenjak, London
Opening in April
Soho favourite Berenjak, which specialises in Iranian kebabs and mazeh (starters), is opening a second site in Borough Market this spring. Expect more of its signature spicy, smoked, charcoal-grilled kebabs as well as a new rotisserie grill section, and several new dishes inspired by Iranian homestyle cooking.
5. 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham
Opening in spring
Prolific restaurant group D&D is expanding into Birmingham with the launch of an establishment at 103 Colmore Row, a new glass skyscraper, this spring. The 24th-floor restaurant will have panoramic views of the city and feature a European fine dining menu.
6. Long Chim, London
Opening date to be confirmed
David Thompson is to make a triumphant return to London this year with an outpost of Long Chim, which already has branches in Sydney, Perth and Dubai. Inspired by Bangkok street food, it’ll serve dishes such as crab fried rice and sour orange curry.
7. AngloThai, London
Opening date to be confirmed
John and Desiree Chantarasak have been serving excellent Thai food, alongside sublime natural wines, at a succession of London pop-ups over the past few years. And AngloThai is set to go from pop-up to permanent in 2022, offering regional Thai specialities cooked with British ingredients.
8. Mauro Colagreco at Raffles, London
Opening in late 2022
Mauro Colagreco, of Mirazur — the restaurant in France that won the World’s 50 Best Restaurants ‘Best of the Best’ — is opening not one, but three venues at Raffles London at the OWO. Raffles is itself one of the capital’s biggest hotel openings in years, and while most details are under wraps, we can expect a brasserie, a fine dining restaurant and an ‘avant-garde’ chef’s table.
