New opening

Update: 1/4/19 - anyone waiting for Kantina to soft launch today might be disappointed (sorry to the folks who DMd us on Instagram). This was our April Fool's Day story. And if you want to see the full list our April Fools over the years, head over here.

We've had hot pot and hot stone

It's all change for Boondocks near the Old Street roundabout - as it's about to be replaced by a new restaurant - Harlem Soul. But it's not a complete change, as it's all still run by Bea Vo's Soul Food Enterprises, which also runs Stax Diner in Carnaby and Butterscotch Bakery (and previously Boondocks).

The new food-style for the restaurant is being dubbed as "American urban cuisine". The menu will

Given they’ve been in business since the 80s, it’s no surprise The Gate know a thing or two about veggie and vegan cooking. Now they’re taking their plant-based knowhow to St John's Wood, with a new restaurant that’ll have brunch, lunch and a newly extended menu.

A formidable restaurant team are taking on the space at the Grade II listed Holborn Town Hall with their first venture.

Imagine landing a fabulous house share in Notting Hill. That's the premise of this new pop-up turned permanent bar and restaurant on All Saints Road..

Inspired by the Lucknow region's Awadhi cooking, chef and restaurateur Dhruv Mittal is opening a restaurant with all manner of biryanis, kebabs and lunchtime quick bites.

The team responsible for The Culpeper in Aldgate have a new project - they're opening this pub and hotel on Brick Lane where the rooftop terrace features an honesty bar and hot tub.

It's time to run down the new restaurants that will be coming your way in April. The upcoming month sees Champagne buttons, high rise dining (and gardens), top-rated sushi, Corbin and King's latest, Indian kebabs and more....

Soho's latest opening is a Japanese izakaya-style spot. Robata, which officially opened its doors on Old Compton Street today, is a project from entrepreneur Sonny Huang whose family has two Chinese restaurants in Birmingham.

Sonny has teamed up with designers turnerbates Design & Architecture to come up with this Japanese pub serving up dishes cooked over the open robata grill. On the menu you'll find:

• Soft Shell Crab bao with spicy mayo, green

Already working together on their hotel, Ben Tish (ex Salt Yard) and the Stafford Hotel are teaming up to create a new restaurant in Fitzrovia called Norma. Expect a Sicilian menu with Moorish influences. 

There's a distinct Spanish flavour to restaurateur Victor Garvey's new City gaff which promises to liven things up in Aldgate.

Barrafina's counter dining is already a big hit in all its locations - and now they're trying something new at King's Cross. They're launching Parrillan - an outside space where you can grill your own meat, fish and vegetables. 

A new Italian cafe on Islington's Essex Road comes from a seasoned restaurateur and promises an all-day menu based on the cafes of Milan. 

If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy the best Italian produce in London then restaurateur Andrea Reitano is hoping his two newest restaurants in Notting Hill and Marylebone will entice you with their day boat fish from the Med and Neopolitan cheese.

The people behind Chick n' Sours are bringing their fast food fried chicken spot CHIK'N to Soho's Wardour Street. Expect their usual top class fried chicken sandwiches and some new additions to the menu too.