One of London’s most hyped south Asian restaurants is opening a new location in Shoreditch

In case you weren’t aware, long-standing and much-loved Shoreditch establishment Lyle’s served its final meal back in May. With a Michelin star under its belt and more than 10 years of providing (in the words of our food editor) ‘utterly heroic British food’, whatever was taking over its space in the Tea Building had big shoes to fill. Now, it’s been revealed that Lyle’s will be replaced by Sri Lankan restaurant group Hoppers. 

Hoppers Shoreditch is expected to open in the Tea Building in early 2026. Backed by JKS Restaurants (the same group that backed Lyle’s), the new Hoppers will be the chain’s fourth branch, joining its existing restaurants in Soho, Marylebone and King’s Cross. The last time the group launched a new outpost was when it landed in King’s Cross back in 2020. 

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This spot will look a little different to the others, though. Instead of purely focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine, it’ll broaden into south India, with a selection curries, dosas, biryanis and street food from Chettinad, Madurai, Bangalore, Kochi and Chennai. Signature Hoppers dishes, like its mutton rolls, jaggery lamb kari and bone marrow varuva, will be available, too.  

Karan Gokani, the founder of Hoppers, said: ‘This opening marks a very exciting new chapter for us. Over the past decade, Sri Lanka has been at the heart of what we do but our Indian heritage and journeys through South India have opened up a world of flavours, traditions and stories that have greatly inspired us.

‘At Shoreditch, we will celebrate many of the lesser known regions and dishes of South India while continuing to connect the dots between Lanka and India in a way that feels fresh, vibrant and deeply personal.’

Did you see that one of east London’s best restaurants is closing for good this Christmas?

Plus: the 12 best new London restaurant openings in November 2025. 

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