Michelin-Starred Chef Aktar Islam Opens Oudh 1722 in London
A Culinary Star Heads to the Capital
London's already-buzzing dining scene is about to welcome one of Britain's most celebrated culinary talents. Aktar Islam, the chef behind Birmingham's two Michelin-starred restaurant Opheem, is set to open his debut London restaurant this spring. Named Oudh 1722, the new venue will take up three floors of a handsome Victorian listed building on Union Street in Borough — just a short journey from the iconic towers of Tower Bridge — and is expected to become one of the most talked-about london events of the year for food lovers. Islam is a familiar face to many, having appeared regularly on television, and his reputation for precision and creativity has earned him a loyal following across the country. Opheem is one of only two Indian restaurants in the UK to hold two Michelin stars, placing Islam in extraordinarily rare company. With Oudh 1722, he turns his attention to Awadhi cuisine — a style deeply rooted in the royal courts of Lucknow in northern India — bringing an experience to London that, he believes, has never truly been showcased here in its most authentic form.
What to Expect on the Menu
The menu at Oudh 1722 reads like a love letter to the kitchens of the historic Nawabi courts of Lucknow, a city recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Awadhi cooking is celebrated for its slow-cooking technique known as dum pukht, in which dishes are sealed and cooked gently over a low flame, allowing flavours to deepen and develop in remarkable ways. Diners can look forward to an impressive array of dishes that highlight this tradition. Highlights include a kakori kebab of finely minced lamb with chilli and rose, a raan-e-dum pukht featuring smoked Wiltshire lamb shoulder baked in a lamb-fat crust, and a mutanjan dum biryani combining oxtail with aged basmati rice. Seafood lovers will find the whole turbot slow-cooked in spiced ghee particularly appealing, while vegetarians can enjoy the roasted cauliflower in a toasted poppy seed korma with seasonal truffle. A dessert of aerated saffron soft serve rounds off the meal beautifully. Alongside the food, guests will have access to a wine list featuring over 300 carefully selected bottles, ensuring every dish finds a fitting companion.
A New Landmark for London Dining
Oudh 1722 is shaping up to be a genuinely significant addition to London's restaurant landscape and one of the standout london attractions for food enthusiasts in 2026. Borough itself is already home to a thriving food culture, and Islam's arrival is set to raise the bar even further in this beloved corner of the city. Speaking ahead of the opening, Islam expressed his deep respect for the Awadhi culinary tradition and his desire to present it with the same generosity and sense of occasion that defined the courts of Lucknow centuries ago. For local residents and visitors alike, this opening represents a rare opportunity to experience a style of cooking that remains underrepresented in the UK, presented by a chef at the very peak of his powers. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Islam's work or simply a Londoner looking for your next great meal, Oudh 1722 promises to deliver something truly memorable. The restaurant opens its doors on Friday 1st May 2026 at 66 Union Street, London SE1 1TD. Further details and reservations are available at oudh1722.com.
Source: Two Michelin-Starred Chef Aktar Islam Is Coming to London
