The UK’s restaurant scene is blooming into spring, with an exciting lineup of new openings, a much-anticipated Borough Market revival, and an afternoon tea inspired by one of TV’s most popular shows. These are the London restaurants to book in March.
This month also offers plenty of reasons to celebrate through food – from honouring incredible female chefs on International Women’s Day to embracing the comforting joy of British Pie Week.
Honouring International Women's Day: CORD By Le Cordon Bleu
On Friday 7th March, as the grand finale of Le Cordon Bleu’s International Women’s Day celebrations, CORD Restaurant hosts a one-night-only dinner honouring the women shaping the culinary world. Justine Bordet, CORD’s head chef, will be leading the evening, alongside two guest chefs – chef patron Elien Verhulst and head pastry chef Jenny Cheung. Verhulst, who is known for her visionary approach at Vlass Restaurant in Belgium, has earned accolades including a nomination as Masterchef of the 33 Masterchefs of Belgium. Meanwhile, Cheung, whose experience includes both Dinner by Heston and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, brings her refined artistry to the pastry course. Each dish on the tasting menu will be paired with wines selected by Jiachen Lu, CORD’s award-winning head sommelier and a Le Cordon Bleu alumna.
Celebrating International Women's Day With Friends: Firebird
Also in recognition of International Women’s Day, the female-founded Firebird, owned by Anna Dolgushina and Madina Kazhimova, takes its ongoing Firebird & Friends series international, welcoming Savannah Hagendijk, the head chef of Amsterdam’s Michelin-starred Restaurant de Kas, for her first-ever London pop-up. Known for its plant-to-plate philosophy, De Kas grows over 300 varieties of produce in its Dutch gardens, some of which will be transported to Soho to feature on the exclusive tasting menu. The menu, served for one night only at Firebird, blends De Kas’ seasonal approach with Firebird’s signature open-fire cooking techniques inspired by the Mediterranean coast. The tasting menu will be paired with wines selected by head sommelier (and co-founder) Anna Dolgushina, showcasing small, biodynamic producers, on an evening set to be a true celebration of women in the restaurant industry.
Dining 70s Style: Number Sixteen
Later in the month, Firmdale’s Number Sixteen Hotel in South Kensington is hosting another unique pop-up experience, as part of their Dining Through The Decades supper club series – this time taking diners back to the 70s as they dine in the hotel’s Orangery, overlooking a leafy private garden. Hosted by Eleanor Barnett, author and one of the UK’s leading food historians, alongside Firmdale’s executive chef Joe Fox, this relaxed dinner aims to bring history to life, blending good humour with defining culinary traditions of the past. Expect a nostalgic menu featuring devilled eggs, classic prawn cocktail, and cheddar with compressed pineapple, before ending on a playful note with Orange en Surprise and a show-stopping pink blancmange with green jelly.
A Taste of Thailand With The White Lotus: Four Seasons Park Lane
To mark the return of The White Lotus, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane has launched an opulent afternoon tea inspired by the show’s third season. Crafted by the talented pastry team at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Pavyllon, the dishes bring together some of Thailand’s most recognisable flavours and its rich culinary traditions, combined with The White Lotus’ decadence that fans have come to love. Even the background music has been curated to reflect the series, creating a fully immersive luxury experience for all the senses. Expect savoury bites including a crispy crab and green papaya tartlet and duck spring rolls with Thai basil and green chilli, alongside indulgent sweet treats featuring Thai flavours such as black sesame, honey and mango.
A Celebration Of British Pie Week: Cubitt House
Cubitt House is marking British Pie Week (3rd to 9th March) with a week-long celebration of the ultimate British comfort food across seven of its historic London pubs. Chef Director Ben Tish has invited some of London’s most exciting chefs to create guest pies, each bringing a unique twist to the menu. The lineup includes: cook and award-winning food writer Georgina Hayden’s Kefalonian kreatopites pie with spiced lamb and filo at The Princess Royal; a Sri Lankan black pork kari pie at The Builder’s Arms, courtesy of Hoppers co-founder, Karan Gokani; and a Guinness, beef, and shallot pie at The Coachmakers Arms’ menu from head chef of Bistro Freddie, Alexandre Laforce Reynolds. Whether looking for a classic favourite or a more creative take, there is a pie on offer to suit every tastebud throughout the week.
The Relaunch Of A Borough Icon: Applebee's
A Borough Market institution for 25 years, family-owned seafood restaurant Applebee’s has unveiled an exciting relaunch, reopening with a fresh new concept, menu, and interiors – all while staying true to its roots as championing sustainably sourced British seafood. Founded as a fishmonger before evolving into a celebrated seafood restaurant, Applebee’s continues to work directly with fishermen at Brixham Fish Market, ensuring a weekly changing menu, dictated by the day’s freshest catch. Newly appointed executive chef Frankie van Loo, formerly of Jason Atherton’s Michelin-starred restaurants, brings a refined touch to dishes that showcase premium seafood with minimal intervention, letting the ingredients shine. Sustainability remains at the heart of Applebee’s, from responsible sourcing to in-house dry aging, with a commitment to educating diners on the short journey from sea to plate. This is very much a new chapter for a London classic.
A New Restaurant At The Historic Hambledon Wine Estate
Yes, Hambledon Vineyard may be a short trip outside of London, but this opening is worth venturing out of the city for. Hambledon Wine Estate, set in the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, has opened its first restaurant and bar within its historic Hampshire vineyard. Now under the stewardship of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates, this 40-seat dining space marks a new era for the estate, blending exceptional winemaking with refined dining. The venture is led by James Osborn, former managing director of Squerryes Wine Estate, alongside Michelin-starred head chef Nick Edgar, whose career includes time at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Samling. Staying true to his signature style, Edgar’s menu champions seasonal ingredients from Hambledon’s kitchen garden and surrounding producers, creating an elegant yet unpretentious dining experience. Open from lunch through evening, the restaurant offers a menu shaped by the estate’s commitment to craftsmanship – both in the kitchen and the vineyard. A landmark moment for English wine, this opening brings together heritage, hospitality and innovation in the heart of the South Downs.
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Lead image: Dining Through The Decades at Number Sixteen hotel.
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