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A bunch of great new London restaurants opened in February – with more to come in March – but the capital also lost some legendary spots this month too, including two vegan restaurants, a super fancy, double Michelin-starred spot and a historic pub.
Whyte’s, Hackney
Despite scoring a stellar five-star Time Out review back in 2024, pop-up chef Whyte Rushen has closed his lovely little London Fields restaurant after just 15 months. Why? He wants to see the world! ‘We’re going on a little tour aren’t we, hopping from city to city, hosting residencies in the maddest places,’ read an announcement on Instagram. Exact locations will be revealed soon. ‘Thank you all for the endless love. Catch you in China?’ he added.
Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, Swiss Cottage
Sam Smith’s Brewery closed this historic pub on February 1, despite a campaign to save it. A pub has stood on the same north-west London site since the 1830s, and the local area, as well as Swiss Cottage tube station, were both named after the pub. RIP to the strangest chalet-looking boozer in north London.
Club Mexicana, Spitalfields
Club Mexicana’s east London branch quietly quit a few weeks ago. Nothing has been said about reasons for the closure, but you’ll now have to hit up Kingly Court in Soho or Mercato Mayfair if you want plant-based tacos, nachos, burritos and the all-important fro-marg.
Hacha, Brixton
We can’t get too weepy about this one, because this south London tequila bar might have shut its doors, but it’s already relocated to Bermondsey in the Locke hotel on Tower Bridge Road. After three-and-a-half years, they decided not to renew their lease as Brixton Village is currently up for sale. If you’re really craving their famous ‘Mirror Margarita’ you can also head to their original Dalston location, which is still in full flow.
La Dame de Pic, Tower Bridge
After eight years in business, Anne-Sophie Pic’s Michelin star spot at Four Seasons at Tower Bridge served its last on February 15 Le Dame de Pic had held two Michelin stars since 2020, and served super high end French cuisine featuring lots of cheffy fiddly bits, with head chef Evens López on day-to-day duty.
Forza Win, Camberwell
After 12 years in the game, Forza Win’s last service was on February 21. The much-loved ‘Italian-ish’ spot spent five years as a supper club, and seven as a restaurant, with the past two in a prime spot on the foodie highway that is Camberwell Church Street. Their sister sites – Forza Wine in Peckham and Forza Wine at the National Theatre – remain open for excellent cocktails and perfect plates of cauliflower fritti. Arrivederci, legends.
La Goccia and The Petersham, Covent Garden
La Goccia and The Petersham have closed their doors after six years of trading in Covent Garden. The sister restaurants, owned by Petersham Nurseries’ Boglione family, shut on February 16, having gone into administration while trying to secure lower rents. You can still visit Petersham’s original location in Richmond, complete with garden nursery and lifestyle shop.
Unity Diner, Spitalfields
This vegan diner shut up shop at the end of Veganuary, on February 1. It blamed ‘soaring costs’ as the reason for the closure and a rent hike from their landlord which they couldn’t afford. Founded in 2018 by activist and writer Ed Winters, Unity Diner was known for its ‘tofish and chips’.
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