London is known for NEVER standing still, and all the new openings that have hit the scene in the first six months of 2026 alone are a testament to that. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing hotel to stay, a fun, new museum to meander around, or my personal favourite, somewhere delicious to eat – this guide has you covered. Here’s what’s new on our city’s block this year.
And if you prefer to watch instead of read, watch this…
*Some of the links in this article will earn a small commission if you click them and then purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
New London hotels in 2026
Still looking for somewhere to stay on your upcoming trip to the big smoke? Here are a few new hotels you NEED to have on your radar. Whether you’re after something a little more bougie, something with a full wellness centre or maybe just somewhere really well-connected, there’s an option for it all.
Image Courtesy of The Chancery Rosewood via Booking.com
The Chancery Rosewood, Mayfair
This luxe hotel has opened inside the former U.S. Embassy building on Grosvenor Square, which is arguably one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Keeping true to its roots, it’s retained all its original, dramatic mid-century architecture, so if you want to treat yourself to a beautiful (and somewhat historical) stay, The Chancery Rosewood is the place to do it. And boy, you’ll get to milk every ounce of your buck for it with the amenities this place provides.
For starters, each room is exceptionally large (by London’s shoebox standards), and you’ll get exclusive access to a spa with a 25-metre swimming pool, a rooftop bar, an afternoon tea featuring over 100 curated teas from around the world, as well as multiple restaurants, including the London outpost of Carbone, an iconic New York Italian.
And the wildest perk? There are no check-in or check-out times (!!!!), so you can arrive when you want and leave when you want. That alone tells you the kind of establishment this is. (WA*)
*(WA = Wheelchair Accessible)
Image Courtesy of Templeton Garden via Booking.com
Templeton Garden, Earl’s Court
If The Chancery Rosewood is not quite within your budget, don’t worry. A stylish alternative has just cropped up in Earl’s Court, and at £200/night, it’s a more affordable option for your stay.
Templeton Garden is built around a PROPER garden courtyard, which gives it a calm, relaxed charm that most other London hotels don’t offer. Inside, you’ll find a modern British restaurant, a cool cocktail bar called Sprout and my favourite thing of all: a Refresh Room, where guests can shower and change before check-in or after check-out.
If you’ve ever had an early morning arrival after a long haul or a red-eye flight home, you’ll understand immediately why this is such a good idea.
The only caveat to staying here is that Earl’s Court isn’t super central, but it’s still very well-connected by Tube to major attractions and Heathrow Airport, so if you’re okay with not being right in the heart of the action, then you’ll love it here. (WA)
Image Courtesy of The Newman via Booking.com
The Newman, Fitzrovia
This independent boutique hotel opened on the 1st of February 2026 after multiple delays, and it was 100% worth the wait. The design takes inspiration from local icons like Nancy Cunard, a prominent figure in the Parisian avant-garde of the 1920s, with subtle references woven throughout the interiors.
If you’re into wellness hotels, this one will be right up your street, with a full floor dedicated to it, including hot and cold experience cabins, a salt therapy room, a hydrotherapy pool and so much more.
Fitzrovia is also one of the best areas to stay in London because it’s super central and packed with excellent restaurants (we include a massive list in our London Itineraries), and easy to get everywhere from. (WA)
If you’re looking for more cool places to book a room in central London, we’ve got you covered.
London museums and attractions worth visiting in 2026
Fun new hotels aren’t the only thing that’s landed in London this year. I’ve rounded up a couple of new museums (particularly from the V&A) that have just either opened or reopened after refurbishment in the city. There’s also a special little addition of a hidden gem that I feel needs so much more love.
Image Courtesy of Young V&A
Young V&A
The Young V&A, included in Day 3 of our London Itinerary, has recently reopened after a long closure, and it’s an excellent free way to spend an afternoon. Focused centrally around childhood and creativity, tracing how toys, games, and everyday objects have evolved, you’ll see everything from old, Victorian dollhouses to mid-century toys and contemporary design. This makes it fun for kids and adults alike.
In saying that, if you’ve had a long day and want to give the kids an opportunity to let off some steam, there are also plenty of interactive play areas and an arts and crafts space to let them hang out for a few hours.
Young V&A | Bethnal Green | WA
Image Courtesy of V&A East Storehouse
V&A East Storehouse
This is one of the most unique museum experiences London has ever opened. Instead of hiding objects away in storage, the V&A has opened up thousands of items including fashion, furniture, sculptures and theatrical props, displayed on open racks and shelves that you can walk right past. It feels more like exploring a creative warehouse than visiting a traditional museum.
Definitely reserve a ticket in advance and check what paid exhibitions are on before you go in case you’d like to get tickets. Recently, there was a special David Bowie archive on display that was completely mind-blowing.
Keep in mind, it’s also far from central London, so don’t try to squeeze this into an already packed day. You’ll also want to be sure to have a reliable eSIM in your phone so you can get transport and walking directions to this spot, and all of the others on the list.
V&A East Storehouse | Stratford | WA
Image Courtesy of V&A East Museum
V&A East Museum
The V&A seem to be doing well this summer because they’ve got one more new museum in the mix. Having been in the making for more than a decade, their newest V&A East Museum (different from the V&A East Storehouse) officially opened in April 2026 as a centrepiece of the East Bank cultural quarter in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and it’s set to be well worth the Overground ride.
Designed by architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, the museum features two free permanent “Why We Make” galleries, co-curated with east London youth groups, with over 500 objects spanning art, design, fashion and performance. The opening exhibition, The Music Is Black: A British Story traces 125 years of Black music-making in Britain, featuring Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, fashion worn by rapper Little Simz, and newly acquired photography.
The best part? Like all the other V&A museums in London, it’s completely free to enter the permanent galleries, although some exhibitions will carry a separate charge.
V&A East Museum | Stratford | WA
Image Courtesy of Old Operating Theatre Museum
Old Operating Theatre Museum
This one isn’t new, but it absolutely deserves more love in 2026. The Old Operating Theatre Museum is in the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe, hidden in the attic of a church near London Bridge. It shows exactly how surgery was performed before anaesthetics or antiseptics, with original wooden tables and instruments still in place.
While it’s super interesting and perhaps slightly unsettling, it’s completely unlike anything else you’ll find in London. There’s also a small interactive apothecary area where you can make a scented pouch to take home.
Just a heads up: there are human remains on display, and access is a bit tricky because you’ll need to climb a narrow spiral staircase, so beware if you have any trouble with mobility.
Old Operating Theatre Museum | London Bridge
There are endless other unique museums in London, so make sure you don’t miss out on them either.
New London restaurants and food spots in 2026
My favourite part of any round-up is always when I get to speak about restaurants. Food is my love language, so you can only imagine how high I jumped for joy after hearing about these new London eats (then immediately running and trying).
Image Courtesy of Speedboat Bar via Facebook
Speedboat Bar
Loud, chaotic and reminiscent of eating street-side at a busy restaurant in the middle of Bangkok, is exactly how I’d describe an evening at Speedboat Bar. And while it may not have the exact prices to match (we are in London after all), the menu is full of affordable eats, including a £37 set menu packed with seven sharing dishes.
Some of my favourite things to get from here are the sweetcorn fritters, pickled mustard & snow ear mushroom, “Exploded” tofu, taro & shimeji curry, and the snake blood negroni (trust me on this one).
Speedboat Bar | Soho & Notting Hill
Image Courtesy of Holy Carrot via Facebook
Holy Carrot
Holy Carrot is a plant-based restaurant that even your non-vegan and veggie friends will love (which can be rare in my experience). Full of bold flavours and unique dishes, I implore you to try their koji flatbread with white bean purée, coal-roasted leeks and artichoke schnitzel.
I must make a special note about the staff here too. They are excellent, and the knowledgeable service they gave makes the whole experience feel super special. I’d really recommend coming here if you have a special anniversary on your trip or just want to head somewhere a little more elevated and romantic one evening.
Holy Carrot | Notting Hill | WA
Image Courtesy of Four Seasons Park Lane via Facebook
Four Seasons Park Lane Afternoon Tea
This afternoon tea is not new, but it’s criminally underrated, which is why I’m including it here anyway. Not only is it set in a beautiful room that screams luxe, but it’s also full of fun surprises.
Instead of your usual finger sandwiches, the savoury course has plenty of creative bites like lobster croissants and leek tartlets with truffle. The sweets you get are far from your average Joe, too, with roasted vanilla crème brûlées and Granny Smith pavlovas (these are obviously due to change seasonally, though). Book now before everyone catches on.
Four Seasons Park Lane Afternoon Tea | Mayfair | WA
Related: Best Places in London for a Traditional Afternoon Tea Experience
Interested in being the first to find out about new experiences and things to do in London? Read next:
