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The best new London restaurants this May

By CW Contributor on 26/4/2017

As spring finally rolls in, we present the best new London restaurants to book for the sun-charged summer ahead.
This May is a month of experimentation, where famous industry names stride confidently toward the unknown. Would you have believed us a year ago if we told you Duck & Waffle were opening a casual restaurant with no reservations? Or that the owners of bao would graduate from bao buns?
As Granger & Co spread their wings toward Chelsea, even the classic French bistro is being restrung. Welcome, the Neo-Bistro.
Enjoy the best new London restaurants this May.

The British One: Lupins, Flat Iron Square, Borough

The Classic, Reimagined: Lupins, Flat Iron Square

The lowdown: A British restaurant within hip new Flat Iron Square. Their key point of difference is that dishes feature surprising, international ingredients you wouldn't expect to find in British classics.

Why go? To cross Flat Iron Square off your To Do List.

WHEN

On 02 May 2017, 12 - 3pm daily, then 6 - 10.30pm, closed on Monday, Saturday from 10.30am

WHERE

Flat Iron Square
SE1 1TD

The Trendy One: Madame D's restaurant, Spitalfields

The lowdown: The young sibling to award-winning small plates restaurant Gunpowder. Madame D's will take no reservations, only seat 25, and serve sharing plates inspired by the Himalayas.

Why go? Gunpowder is the type of place chefs go to eat. Expect foodies to rush for the few seats at this long-awaited follow-up.

WHEN

On 09 May 2017, Tues - Sat: 6pm - late

WHERE

76 Commercial Street
E1 6LY

The bao follow-up: Xu, Soho

The lowdown: Xu marks a new era for Taiwanese food in London. It's from the trend-setting trio behind bao, who are using their new opening to celebrate the culinary diversity of Taiwan, a turn away from the pillow-soft buns of the eponymous bao.

Why go? Rather than focus on bao buns, Xu will serve a La Carte, so expect to get a broader experience of Taiwanese food. No word yet on reservations, or whether the famed queue will be the only way in....

WHEN

On 30 May 2017, exact opening times to be confirmed

WHERE

30 Rupert Street
W1D 1DL

The Luxurious One: Duck & Waffle Local, St James's Market

The lowdown: Duck & Waffle, London's highest and most luxurious 24-hour restaurant, now has a more casual, central London sibling. Dan Doherty, head chef, is inviting guests to #WaddleThisWay.

Why go? The Local will have a no reservations policy, meaning you can try the signature Duck & Waffle dish on your terms.

WHEN

On 03 May 2017, All-day dining, 11am - late, Daily

WHERE

St James's Market
SW1Y 4SB

From left to right, Nick Gilkinson, Mark Jarvis (both Anglo) and Alex Harper (The Harwood Arms)

The Contemporary One: Neo-Bistro, Mayfair

The lowdown: There's been a wave of chefs in London serving exquisite food in relaxed environments. And Neo-Bistro is the next in line.

Why go? Expect high quality British dishes, served without the pomp and ceremony. Instead, expect Neo-Bistro to have more of a rustic look.

WHEN

On 20 May 2017, Wed - Sat: 12.15pm - 2.30pm, Tues - Sat: 6pm - 9.45pm

WHERE

11 Woodstock Street
W1C

The Stylish One: Granger & Co Chelsea

The lowdown: Aussie chef Bill Granger presides over three of London's best restaurants – they must be some of the most Instagrammed spots in London. And now his successful formula of stylish, but relaxed, all-day dining has reached Chelsea.

Why go? Granger & Co restaurants look a million dollars. Expertly stylish, we can't think of anywhere that balances unmissable interiors with classy, all-day cuisine better. As good for breakfast as it is for dinner, this is the fourth London outpost.

WHEN

On 31 May 2017, There is no official opening date yet, and no official opening times.

WHERE

237 - 239 Pavilion Road
SW1X 0BP

Pique-Nique will specialise in Poulet de Bresse

The French One: Pique-Nique, Bermondsey

The lowdown: A relaxed French restaurant on Tanner Street, Bermondsey, moments from Casse-Croute, the famous French restaurant run by the same owner.

Why go? Fans of Casse-Croute will flock here for the lighter food menu, big on breakfasts and light lunches rather than hearty evening meals.

WHEN

On 03 May 2017, 8am - 11pm, Daily

WHERE

32 Tanner Street
SE1 3TD