It's not unusual for London to lose a legendary institution once in a while. But in recent times, we've seen a handful spring back from the dead. Here are five that have either been resuscitated, or are about to be.
1. Simpson's Tavern, City
In November 2022, Simpson's Tavern suddenly and shockingly stopped serving kidney puddings and Barnsley chops, as it'd been doing since 1757. The reason? An "unconscionable" landlord (who'd have thunk it!), who had Simpon's shut down with immediate effect. Three and a half years later, the bow-windowed time capsule of a place remains shuttered; however later this year, that should no longer be the case, when it reopens as Cloth Cornhill — a sequel venue from the folks behind Smithfield bistro, Cloth. Name change aside, we have our fingers crossed that much will remain as it was in 2022 (and for that matter, 1757), although realistically — given the menus at Cloth — dishes may be on the sprauncier side.
2. The Black Cap, Camden
With a cabaret/drag heritage spanning back to the 1950s — and its ancestry as the Mother Black Cap dating back as far as the mid-18th century — this footloose and fancy-free pub became known as the 'Palladium of drag', staging riotous shows from Danny La Rue, Lily Savage et al. Then, in 2015, the Black Cap became the latest in a litany of LGBTQ+ venues to fall foul of hard times/avaricious owners who fancied turning the place into... yep, luxury flats. Fortunately, London's full of decent people, and a vociferous community campaign led to the Black Cap's reopening in March 2026 — some 11 years after it'd shut. Once again, the joint sparkles with drag bingo and karaoke sessions — and if you have a particularly good night here, you can even book a room.
3. Simpson's in the Strand, Strand
For over five years, the wood-panelled dining rooms of one of the city's grandest eateries lay empty — another victim of the pandemic. Rubbing salt in the wound, much of its contents were auctioned off. Enter Jeremy King — no-nonsense restaurateur behind the Ivy, Le Caprice and the Wolseley — who, in March 2026, flung open Simpson's famous chess board-motifed entrance once more, with a stylish-yet-restrained revamp, ensuring it holds onto everything people loved about it in the first place (including those roast ribs of beef carved tableside from the trolley). "A rollicking list of cosy British joys" declared critic Grace Dent, after a slap-up meal at the rebooted restaurant.
4. Model Market, Lewisham
A glimmering light amid the gradual gentrification of Lewisham, many locals were no doubt grateful to have Model Market on their doorstep — a hip hangout serving street food from the likes of Mother Clucker and Hotbox — that is, until it hit the skids mid-Covid, closing in 2021. After five years away, the touchpaper will be relit, with a fresh imagining of Model Market as piloted by brewers German Kraft, who, themselves are about to be chucked out of their current HQ in Elephant and Castle. The market should open later this summer — and although no traders have been announced, at least we already know the lager will be decent.
5. Duck Tours, the Thames
Holy Quack! we exclaimed at the end of last year — amphibious road 'n' river guided tours are waddling their way back into London as Big Duck Tours, with all-electric vehicles. We think so, anyway; since then, the company has kept its beak shut about when exactly that 'spring/summer 2026' launch date might be (presumably not spring unless the duckmobiles are fitted with time machines).
