Restaurants, cafes and bars that opened in Havering in 2023

As 2023 comes to an end, here’s a round up of some of the prominent new places to eat that opened in the borough in the last 12 months.

Pret A Manger, Romford

Pret A Manger in Romford's Liberty Shopping Mall (Image: Romford Business Improvement District)Romford got its very first Pret outlet at the Liberty Shopping Centre, launching in November. Alongside its trademark food and drink offerings, the chain created 20 jobs in the area, while Pret Foundation sought collaboration with charities to donate surplus food.

Read more here. 

The Aviary, Hornchurch

The Aviary on Hornchurch High Street (Image: The Aviary)The Avery, a restaurant serving Mediterranean inspired dishes opened on Hornchurch High Street and is led by John Torode’s ex-employee.

Its lunch menu has options like katsu curry and truffle risotto, with both vegetarian and meat-based roasts on Sundays.

Read more here.

Gravity Dine and Drink, Collier Row

Gravity Dine and Drink on Collier Row Lane (Image: Gravity Bar Dine and Drink)Cocktail bar and restaurant Gravity Dine and Drink, on Collier Row Lane, had Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, among others attending its launch event this June.

Its menu, the restaurant says on its website, is “diverse and innovative” providing modern twists to classic dishes.

Read more here.

BK90 Restaurant and Lounge, Rainham

Located in Elmer Gardens in Rainham, the BK90 Restaurant and Lounge brought authentic flavours of Africa to the town with its opening in March.

The licence application for the premises however triggered some controversy as the owner made allegations of receiving threats and racist abuse at a council meeting.

Read the full story here.

MIAHS, Upminster

MIAHS on Corbets Tey Road in Upminster (Image: Somed Miah)Indian takeaway MIAHS on Corbets Tey Road launched on November 20 with Indian curries, grills, biryanis and “extensive” vegan options on its menu.

Owner Somed Miah said he had been in the business for 20 years and had run other takeaways in Walthamstow and Leytonstone before.

Read more here. 

Bunkers, Romford

Bunkers opened in Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford (Image: Adventure Leisure Pvt. Ltd.)Mini golf, funky cocktails, party snacks - Bunkers, the leisure venue, had its grand opening in November at Brewery shopping centre with an “epic party” attended by some local councillors, as well as the Recorder team.

While the site is a gaming den, it also boasts two bars and serves snacks like pizzas, hot dogs and nachos alongside beers, wines and prosecco.

Read our review of Bunkers here.

Fumiko, Hornchurch

Fumiko opened in Hornchurch High Street this year (Image: Mahmud Mamun)Another new entrant to Hornchurch High Street’s food scene, Fumiko is a Japanese restaurant offering fusion dishes and premium cocktails.

Owner Mahmud Mamun, from Rainham, told the Recorder that the restaurant uses produce and ingredients sourced from some of the best places.

Read more here. 

Scooperb, Collier Row

Scooperb outlet on Collier Row Road (Image: Scooperb)This new vegan and vegetarian dessert destination on Collier Row Road is set up by a popular chain with outlets across London.

Scooperb has  a range of options for people with a sweet tooth - ice creams, milkshakes, waffles, crepes, mini pancakes and even baklavas, Falooda and hot drinks.

Read more here.