New Kids on the Block

Lita

London is crying out for more unpretentious bistros that don't cost the earth, and Lita is happy to oblige! Gastronomic duties are handled by Luke Ahearne, a rising star in the city who cut his teeth at Luca, Clove Club and, most recently, Corrigans. His menu offers an eclectic mix of Mediterranean classics, ranging from whole Cornish turbot to strozzapreti with duck ragu, and roast Anjou poussin served with a chorizo cassoulet. But le vin will also take centre stage at Lita, including a selection of Coravin by-the-glass options, and an impressive selection of red and white Burgundy.

7-9 Paddington Street, London, W1U 5QH

https://litamarylebone.com

Psycho Sandbar

Leeds' foodie community mourned the loss of The Man Behind The Curtain, the city's premier fine dining restaurant that was run by Michael O’Hare for over nine years. Yet a new, shockingly  avant-garde destination has opened in its place: Psycho Sandbar.  And, while the décor won't be to everyone's taste – think stark concrete, thumping heavy metal,  smoke machines and a set of DJ decks – O'Hare's precise and imaginative cooking is likely to pique Michelin's curiosity before too long. The aquatic tasting menu offers up oysters in nam jim sauce and skate wing with truffle, paired (if you're feeling flush) with a bottle of Krug Clos d'Ambonnay at £3,350 - when in Leeds.

68-78 Vicar Lane Lower Ground Floor, Leeds LS1 7JH.

https://psychosandbar.com/

Ardfern

Despite ongoing inflationary woes and Brexit-related headaches, Scotland's hospitality industry appears to be in rude health, with new restaurants popping up all over the place north of the border. Named after a super-cute village in Argyll and Bute, Ardfern is the latest venture from Roberta Hall-McCarron, the chef behind The Little Chartroom and Eleanore. Something of a hybrid venue – a bar, cafe, restaurant and bottle shop rolled into one – Ardfern will serve a diverse range of tasty morsels, including beef haggis scones, fried duck eggs, and  shrimp and langoustine potato rosti. A selection of 100 different vintages, meanwhile, will be available to sip in or takeaway. Ardfern is due to open on 31 May.

10-12 Bonnington Road, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5JD.

https://ardfern.uk