Our Top 10 new openings of 2023 in Leyton & Leytonstone – revealed

Despite the harsh economic climate, it’s been a strong twelve months for a raft of unique new food & drink arrivals in the area. Without further ado, here are some we especially rated:

1. Burnt Smokehouse E10 (pictured above) – The railway arches success story of the year, it’s so popular we’ve almost given up on getting a spot.  Almost. Read the full review. 

2. Homies On Donkeys E11 – When London’s most famous taco dons announced their move to Leytonstone, the area rejoiced. And the rave reviews followed. Read ours

3. Back To Ours E11 – This beautifully thought-out space makes clever use of its location and surprisingly leafy outdoors. Great coffee, sweet treats and bread too. Full story.

4. Libertalia Brewery Taproom E10 – We’re all for more openings in the area’s empty railway arches – and this labour of love from two friends is worth seeking out. Interview here. 

5. Mum Likes Thai Food E11 – Sure, it’s early days here, but the area desperately needed another Thai restaurant with Singburi an increasingly tricky proposition to secure a table. But what’s the Pad Thai like?

6. Blondies Brewery E10 – Clapton’s hip bar expanded to a full-on brewery taproom.  And where better location than Leyton’s enterprising Patchworks warehouse? More here. 

7. Baba’s Village E11 – Another buzzy and fun BYOB in central Leytonstone. Go for the marinated chicken thighs – or the dhal. Full review.

8. Cafe Mola E10 – A brand new reboot of much-loved Curved Brick cafe from the ‘teens. Friendly staff and more seating than we remember. More here.

9. Palmeira E10 – The original Portuguese cafe’s decision to expand next door with rustic restaurant and tapas bar is extremely welcome on Leyton High Road. Review here.

10. Pavilion Bakery E10 – Argall Avenue is an underrated part of E10: we loved previous incarnation Lighthaus, but Hackney’s respected cafe did this stylish venue proud. More here.