What’s cooking in London: latest restaurant & dining highlights in November
London’s dining scene never stops evolving, and that’s exactly what keeps us hungry for more. This week brings plenty to discover: Ben Murphy opens his new restaurant on Charlotte Street, Steve Parle and Luke Ahearne join forces for Motorino in Fitzrovia. Add to that a sherry celebration with José Pizarro, an art-led afternoon tea at the Rosewood, and Flat Iron’s indulgent Carcass Club, and you’ve got a taste of why London remains the most exciting place to eat. From elegant tasting menus to hidden neighbourhood gems, here’s what’s new, what’s happening, and what’s next across the capital.
New
74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy
After seven years, it was announced in August 2024 that Ben Murphy would be leaving Launceston Place, marking the end of a chapter for both the acclaimed chef and the much-loved Kensington restaurant.
Fans of Launceston Place will be delighted to learn that Ben Murphy has this week launched his new restaurant on London’s renowned Charlotte Street, a hub for some of the city’s most exciting dining destinations.
Expect refined everyday dining, sleek contemporary interiors, and a welcoming bar perfect for dropping in to enjoy a cocktail. The offering includes à la carte and tasting menu options, while the set lunch menu provides excellent value for money.
The menu spans timeless classics such as Beef Wellington and a signature soufflé dessert, alongside inventive creations like Venison with celeriac, quince, and Earl Grey. Diners have an exciting culinary journey to look forward to here.
Lunch Tasting Menu £65, Dinner Tasting Menu £110, Set Lunch 2 course £35 | 3 courses £39.
Location: 75 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QH Website: 74charlottestreet.com Instagram: 74charlottestreet
Image courtesy of 74 Charlotte Street.
Motorino
Steve Parle of Town Restaurant aand Ex-Head Chef Luke Ahearne of Lita’s in Marylebone have joined forces to open Motorino in Fitzroy Place next to the magical Fitzroy Chapel (do go in if it is open). The interiors are spacious and modern with of classy a mix diner style booths and tables. The menu is Italian leaning, and the bar area offers great cocktails - try the martini with fig leaf.
They pair are having fun giving classic Italian dishes a twist. Their Agnolotti Carbonara is a must order.
Location: Fitzroy Place, 1 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF Website: motorino.london Instagram: @motorino.london
Image courtesy of Motorino
Ria’s of Notting Hill opens in Soho
The couple behind Ria’s (founded in 2023) on All Saint’sRoad, Notting Hill, have opened their second establishment inSoho. The pizza-restaurant / wine-bar focuses on Detroit-style deep-pan pizza, made with 72-hour fermented dough and top-quality flour accompanied by a natural wine list. Pizzas are available whole or by the slice.
Expect their “House Pie” of whipped ricotta and red sauce, and classic flavour combinations with a twist all accompanied by their natural wine list. To inject a bit of fun, first on their menu is “a cheeky start” of an ice cold vodka shot served with large caperberries from Spain to loosen you up after a hard days work.
Their loyal following will no doubt be happy to know there is now a great pizza joint in Soho where they can unwind.
Location: Fouberts Mansions, 29 Foubert’s Place, London W1F 7QF Website: rias.world Instagram: @rias_london
Image courtesy of Ria’s
What’s happening
Sherry Week @ Lolo Bermondsey
In 2024, José Pizarro, award winning chef, opened his third restaurant on Bermondsey Street in East London. Named after his own childhood nickname – Lolo. Pizarro is launching “Sherry Week” on the 3 November with an intimate dinner celebrating the very best of Spain’s flavours and sherry heritage, guiding guests through a four-course menu expertly paired with a selection of Sherries from González Byass.
Following the celebratory dinner, Pizarro will have a special offer running at Lolo, where diners can enjoy a Sherry Flight paired with Spanish snacks, curated in collaboration with González Byass, a revered Sherry producer since 1835.
González Byass has selected three handpicked variations that highlight the diversity and depth of Spain’s finest sherries, accompanied by luxurious snacks including 100% Cinco Jotas Jamón and Presa Carpaccio. Guests can enjoy Tio Pepe Fino, a crisp and dry Fino sherry made from Palomino Fino grapes, Del Duque Amontillado, a rich and dry amontillado sherry, and 30 year old Apostoles VORS Palo Cortado
Available all week long at José's restaurant Lolo, the Sherry Flight offer with snacks gives guests a true taste of Spain’s rich sherry heritage, all for £16.50.
Date: 4 –10 November 2025 Location: 102 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UB Website: josepizarro.com Instagram: @lolo_bermondseystreet
Image courtesy of Lolo Bermondsey
Scott’s Richmond Rugby Dinner with Ugo Monye and a surprise guest
Scott’s Richmond is nestled on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond, offering an atmosphere that marries refined elegance with relaxed riverside charm. They are hosting an exclusive Rugby Dinner with Ugo Monye and a surprise guest on Monday 10th November, as part of their ongoing Sports Dinner Series.
The evening will see former England international Ugo Monye joined by a surprise New Zealand centurion for an intimate night of insider stories and rugby rivalry ahead of the England v New Zealand Test. Guests will enjoy Nye Timber on arrival, a three-course menu followed by a live conversation with Ugo and his guest followed by an audience Q&A.
Date: 10 November 2025 Location: Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 U1EH Website: scotts-richmond.com Instagram: @scottsrichmond
Image courtesy of Scott’s Richmond.
Fortnum & Mason x Shake Shack – an unexpected collaboration
We are excited to see what happens when a premium hamburger chain and the UK’s premium department store collaborate.
Fortnum & Mason is known for its high-end food, gifts and tea. In this venture Shake Shack will be using F&M teas to create these festive treats- Merrilossus Shake (Fortnum & Mason Merrilossus biscuit milk tea with cranberry swirl) Christmas Cranberry Fifty/Fifty (tart cranberry lemonade layered with spiced Fortnum & Mason Christmas tea). Available across all UK Shake Shacks
Instagram: @shakeshackuk
Fortnum & Mason x Shake Shack – an unexpected collaboration
Flat Iron – The Carcass Club & new locations opening
Flat Iron, a group of steak restaurants, with 15 restaurants in London, is a firm favourite for many and now we know why. They keep it simple and deliver delicious food and a good time.
We recently experienced THE CARCASS CLUB - one of a series of events, which give guests the chance to taste some of the rarest and most exceptional beef. At this event in Shoreditch we enjoyed Angus x Jersey Steak, a rare breed combination. The evening began with beef dripping popcorn ready at the table (any other popcorn going forward from now on will surely be a disappointment. The steak is served with a sauce Choron, a variation on the classic Béarnaise, and beef dripping chips. Too much beef dripping? Absolutely not! We treated ourselves to a smooth Flat Iron Malbec from their reasonably priced wine list. The bill came with a voucher for their soft serve which we collected on your way out topped with a sprinkling of malt (yum!) to be enjoyed on our commute home. A genius idea.
Expect new locations opening in Brighton this October, Bristol in December and Newcastle next year.
Location: Various locations Website: flatironsteak.co.uk Instagram: flatironsteak
Image courtesy of Flat Iron
Dining Highlights
Hokusai-Inspired Art Afternoon Tea
As the whirlwind of art fairs and exhibition openings begins to settle, there’s no better way to satisfy your creative cravings than with an afternoon tea that celebrates art itself. Set within the exquisite surrounds of the Rosewood London, a Grade II listed Edwardian Belle Époque masterpiece, the experience is as elegant as the building that hosts it.
Afternoon tea is served in The Mirror Room, where the current theme celebrates the Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai. The menu has subtle Japanese influences and pastries that are almost too stunning to eat. This creative leap elevates what might otherwise be a standard luxury experience into something genuinely special and memorable - this is an experience not to be missed.
Click here for our review of Hokusai-Inspired Art Afternoon Tea.
Location: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN Website: rosewoodhotels.com Instagram: @rosewoodlondon
Rosewood London Afternoon Tea. Image courtesy of Rosewood London
Set Lunch Menu
The Cocochine
Located in quaint Bruton Street, Mayfair The Cocochine is such a treat, from the exquisite menu to the friendly and gentle service all set in a sophisticated, warm and comfortable space with a very reasonable set lunch menu to try. Chef Larry Jayasekara is an extremely accomplished chef having retained stars for the likes of Gordon Ramsey at Petrusand Marcus Waring and working with Raymond Blanc at Manoir Quatre Saisons. We predict he will achieve his very own star next year.
The Cocochine. Image credit Natascha Milsom
With a farm in Oxfordshire and an island in Scotland, the restaurant sources 95% of its menu from these properties as a result diners are guaranteed seasonal and fresh ingredients. The set lunch menu is extremely good value. 2 courses - £29 | 3 courses - £39. We recommend the extra bread course as the miniature sourdough loaf comes glistening straight out of the oven with a pleasing light sweetness and crisp crust. Extras like the cheese gougère and the freshly pressed apple juice served with garden picked lemon verbena are perfect additions to the experience.
Options for dining are, the restaurant or a counter upstairs overlooking a beautiful kitchen to watch as every dish comes together. A perfect for solo dining and couples.
Location: 27 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NQ Website: thecocochine.com Instagram: @thecocochine
Crisp Pizza to open in Mayfair. Image courtesy of The Marlborough and Crisp Pizza.
In the pipeline
*Crisp Pizza
When the debate on the best pizza in London rages Crisp pizza is always right up there in the conversation. From taking over his parent’s pub in Hammersmith to swanky Mayfair, they are hitting the big time. Carl McCluskey took over his grandmother’s pub and during lock down the pizza takeaway went gang busters and the rest is history.
Onto bigger and better things Crisp will now open in Mayfair in collaboration with Osin Rogers of The Devonshire. Visitors are all set to have a delicious and fun pub experience @themarlboroughmayfair. Expect a traditional boozer with excellent Guinness upstairs and a bespoke pizzeria downstairs.
Keep an eye on their socials. It should be open very soon.
Location: 24 N Audley Street London W1K 6WD Website: rbo.org.uk Instagram: @themarlboroughmayfair
Words by Natascha Milsom
