11 great London restaurants that closed this autumn

This December a host of excellent new restaurants opened up across the city, from the Dover Street Counter in Mayfair to Passione Vino wine bar in Clerkenwell. We’re truly spoiled for choice this festive season, but before we get too wrapped up in decadent Christmas dinners and mulled wine binges, let’s say our goodbyes to the London restaurants that have shut up shop for good over the past few months. Here are the 11 we’re going to miss most. 

London restaurants that closed in autumn 2025

1. Saltine 

This neighbourhood offering in Highbury was known for grab-and-go bites by day and small seasonal plates by night, as well as great wine. Opened by the founders of north London cafe chain Fink’s, the beloved bistro is shutting after just two years. The owners said: ‘The climate for small restaurants is a tough one – and though we would love for the Saltine story to be a longer one, this was not our time.’ It shut in December.  

2. FKABAM 

After 10 years, this cult classic, previously known as Black Axe Mangal, has sort of closed its doors. But if this heavy metal grillhouse, famous for its flatbreads and fusion flavours, was your Islington go-to, don’t fret. Owner Lee Tiernan has said: ‘This is a pause, not a stop. For now, I want to focus my creative energy towards a ‘pop up’ within my own restaurant space.’ 

3. Sesta 

Sesta opened on Hackney’s Wilton Way in September 2024, and quickly made its way onto Time Out’s 50 best restaurants in London list. We praised head chef Drew Snaith for his eclectic menu, featuring an array of à la carte specialities such as nduja scotched olives, cider scones and tempura oyster mushrooms, and gave it the full five stars. Sesta’s last hurrah was in December. 

4. Silo 

Silo made headlines across the food world for its zero-waste ethos, which was born out of the concept of simply not having a bin. Even its furniture, plates and tables were upcycled. But though this Hackney Wick restaurant is shutting, chef-owner Douglas McMaster isn’t standing still: ‘By closing the doors of Silo London, we open the way for a Silo World Tour – a series of collaborations and pop-ups that will bring our philosophy to new cities and communities around the world.’ 

5. Le Colombier 

This was a bit of a shocker. The swanky South Ken brasserie opened in 1998, offering fine dining with affordable wine. What’s not to like? They said: ‘It is with heavy heart that we announce the imminent closure of Le Colombier restaurant. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to renew our lease.’  

6. Big Jo

From delicate pastries and delicious bread – made from flour they mill themselves – to hearty homemade pasta; soul food was at the heart of Jolene’s Big Jo. Sadly, dinner service has closed at the Hornsey Road branch of Jolene (but you can still grab your beloved baked treats during the day). And if you’re craving one of their signature dinner dishes, just head to the Newington Green branch of Jolene. 

7. Lyon’s 

After six years, this seafood restaurant has closed its doors. The popular Crouch End venue was praised by Michelin Guide inspectors, calling it ‘the ideal neighbourhood restaurant’. The fish-forward menu featured a range of sustainable seafood, and let’s not forget the generous wine offering. Final service was in October.  

8. Pearly Queen 

Renowned for its various iterations of oysters, this Shoreditch restaurant lasted less than two years, and shuttered in September. If you’re a fan of founder Tom Brown’s distinct flavours, then head to his high-end seafood spot at The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge, or to Island in Kings Cross, which he runs with fellow chef Brad Carter. 

9. Pophams

The pasta-offshoot of Pophams bakery in London Fields was a massive hit, but due to rising costs, was forced to shut its carb-y dinner service in October. However, you can still pick up pastries here during the daytime.  

10. Claude Bosi at Bibendum 

This one rocked the London restaurant scene. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant in South Kensington was a fine-dining powerhouse, but closed at the end of summer. They said: ‘Despite our very best efforts, we were unable to reach a resolution with our partners and landlords that would allow Michelin House to move into its next chapter.’ 

11. Funkidory 

This charming neighbourhood bar in the centre of Peckham was a triple threat; combining creative cocktails and a vinyl shop with local ingredients. Above all, we’re going to miss the glorious soundtrack. It closed in December. 

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