As London's dining scene welcomed a flurry of new openings in December 2025, from Mayfair's Dover Street Counter to Clerkenwell's Passione Vino, the city also said goodbye to a host of beloved eateries. Over the autumn months, a diverse range of restaurants, from neighbourhood bistros to culinary pioneers, served their final meals. Here are the 11 establishments that closed their doors for good, leaving a notable gap on the capital's food map.
Neighbourhood Favourites and Culinary Pioneers Bow Out
The closures spanned the city and represented a wide spectrum of dining. In Highbury, the neighbourhood bistro Saltine shut in December after just two years. Founded by the team behind the Fink's cafe chain, it was known for its daytime grab-and-go offerings and evening small plates. The owners cited the tough climate for small restaurants as the reason for its premature end.
In Hackney, two significant losses were felt. Sesta on Wilton Way, which had swiftly earned a place on Time Out's 50 best London restaurants list after opening in September 2024, served its last meal in December. Head chef Drew Snaith's eclectic menu, featuring nduja scotched olives and cider scones, was a critical hit. Meanwhile, in Hackney Wick, the groundbreaking zero-waste restaurant Silo closed. Famous for its no-bin philosophy and upcycled interiors, chef-owner Douglas McMaster announced plans for a 'Silo World Tour' of pop-ups and collaborations.
Islington's cult favourite, FKABAM (formerly Black Axe Mangal), also paused operations after a decade. Owner Lee Tiernan described it as a hiatus, with plans to host pop-ups in the space, offering some hope to fans of its heavy metal-inspired grillhouse fare.
Fine Dining and Seafood Specialists Close Chapters
The autumn wave also claimed several established, high-end venues. The closure of Claude Bosi at Bibendum in South Kensington sent shockwaves through the fine-dining world. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the iconic Michelin House shut at the end of summer, with management stating they were unable to reach a new agreement with partners and landlords.
Another South Kensington institution, the brasserie Le Colombier, also shuttered unexpectedly. Open since 1998 and known for its fine dining and affordable wine, it fell victim to a lapsed lease. In Crouch End, the Michelin Guide-praised seafood restaurant Lyon's closed in October after six years, celebrated as an ideal neighbourhood spot with a sustainable fish menu.
Seafood fans also lost Shoreditch's Pearly Queen in September, which lasted less than two years. Founder Tom Brown's oyster-focused concept lives on at his other venues, The Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge and Island in King's Cross.
Casual Spots and Community Hubs Say Farewell
The trend impacted more casual destinations, too. On Hornsey Road, Big Jo – the dinner service arm of the Jolene bakery – ended its evening operations, though daytime pastry sales continue. Similarly, the pasta-focused dinner service at Pophams in London Fields closed in October due to rising costs, while its bakery remains open.
Finally, the community lost a unique Peckham hub with the December closure of Funkidory. This charming neighbourhood bar combined a creative cocktail menu, a vinyl record shop, and a focus on local ingredients, all set to a celebrated soundtrack.
This collective exodus of diverse dining spots underscores the persistent challenges within London's hospitality sector, from rising costs and lease issues to shifting consumer habits. While some closures mark definitive ends, others promise evolution in new forms, from pop-ups to international tours, ensuring their culinary legacies continue in different ways.
