The second annual FACT Dining Awards London took place on 22 September, bringing together the capital’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals at CÉ LA VI London.
The second annual FACT Dining Awards London took place on 22 September, bringing together the capital’s leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals at CÉ LA VI London.
22 September 2026, London, United Kingdom: The FACT Dining Awards London has returned for its second edition, celebrating the restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams shaping the capital’s world-renowned dining scene.
Hosted at CÉ LA VI London, the ceremony welcomed more than 450 guests for an evening of canapés, free-flowing drinks, live entertainment and industry recognition. A total of 53 awards were presented across 27 culinary categories, following more than 50,000 unique online votes from diners across the capital.
The second edition built on the success of the inaugural ceremony, which launched in 2025 and quickly established the FACT Dining Awards as an important addition to London’s hospitality calendar.
Speaking after the ceremony, Edward Smith of FACT Magazine FZ LLC said: “The second edition of the FACT Dining Awards London represents another important step for the FACT brand and reflects our continued commitment to celebrating excellence within one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
“London’s dining industry is driven by creativity, resilience and an extraordinary community of people working both in front of and behind the scenes. It is a privilege to bring the industry together and recognise the restaurants, chefs and teams that continue to raise standards across the capital.”
The FACT Dining Awards recognise excellence across the food and beverage industry, with winners selected through a combination of public votes and critics’ opinions. Each restaurant category features two accolades: BEST, the critics’ choice determined by the FACT editorial team and an independent panel of industry experts, and FAVOURITE, decided through public online voting.
Among the standout accolades presented during the evening, Best Newcomer was awarded to Trèsind, while Impala received the title of Favourite Newcomer. The evening’s most prestigious honour, Best Restaurant in London 2026, was presented to Ikoyi.
London’s independent and homegrown restaurants were also recognised throughout the ceremony. Gymkhana was named Best Indian Restaurant, BELLY received Best Fusion Restaurant, 2210 by NattyCanCook was awarded Best Caribbean Restaurant, and Imad’s Syrian Kitchen secured the title of Best Middle Eastern Restaurant.
David Tapley, Editor-in-Chief of FACT Magazine, added: “London is home to one of the most diverse and exciting restaurant scenes in the world. From independent neighbourhood favourites and emerging culinary talent to internationally recognised dining institutions, the city continues to evolve at an incredible pace.
“The FACT Dining Awards London give us an opportunity to celebrate the people and places that make dining in the capital so special. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. Their passion, originality and dedication ensure that London remains at the forefront of global gastronomy.”
The second edition of the FACT Dining Awards London was supported by CÉ LA VI London, Asahi, Beesou, Cornish Orchards, Crystal Corp, Jacobs Creek, Lyre’s, Omnycom and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
Throughout the evening, London’s hospitality community shared highlights from the ceremony across Instagram and TikTok, while the FACT London team offered followers a behind-the-scenes look at the event through @factldn.
The FACT Dining Awards London form part of FACT Magazine’s wider regional awards programme, which celebrates culinary excellence across Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh and Singapore.
The FACT Dining Awards remain free for restaurants to enter, attend and win, ensuring that the programme continues to recognise culinary excellence based on merit, public support and critical opinion.
About FACT Magazine
FACT Magazine is a leading lifestyle publication covering food, travel, arts, culture, entertainment and hospitality across key global markets. Through its digital platforms, social channels, events and awards programmes, FACT connects an engaged audience with the people, places and experiences shaping contemporary lifestyle.
The publication is also behind the FACT Dining Awards, an established programme recognising excellence across the food and beverage industry. The awards celebrate outstanding restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams through a combination of public voting, editorial expertise and independent industry insight. FACT Dining Awards events take place across multiple international cities and remain free for restaurants to enter, attend and win.
Media Contact:
David Tapley
Editor-in-Chief
+971 50 793 5724
