Four new independent restaurants and cafes opened in Havering in 2025

How many of these new eateries have you tried? 

Sutra, Gidea Park

Sutra opened on February 21 (Image: Sutra) Pan-Indian restaurant Sutra opened on February 21 in Main Road.

The restaurant opened in place of the former Kushi venue which only opened in June last year.

Prasanna Rao, director of Sutra Hospitality Ltd described Sutra as “taking the best of India from the north to the south”.

He added: “We are confident that we will give really good, authentic food.

“We’re offering something new to the area.”

The restaurant has a gold bar, with black velvet chairs to be consistent with the brand’s logo and colour scheme.

Meli Coffee and Bakery, Collier Row

Meli Coffee and Bakery opened on April 10 (Image: Meli Coffee and Bakery) “Bringing the Greek vibe” to Collier Row Road, according to its owner, was Meli Coffee and Bakery which opened on April 10.

Katerina Bucka previously told the Recorder: “We’re lacking a bit of Greek and Cypriot influence in Romford so we thought to bring it from Cyprus to here.”

Katerina’s family are Cypriot and own a cafe back home.

She said Meli serves “traditional” Greek pastries, sandwiches, cakes and even has coffee beans imported from Greece.

Although not a family-run business, Katerina is eager to “keep a family vibe” and “welcome mums with babies and children after school”.

MORE NEWS: Four businesses that opened in Havering so far this year that you may have missed 

Kaani Kaana, Upminster

Kaani Kaana opened on April 25 (Image: Sadiq Ahmed) Indian and Bangladeshi takeaway spot Kaani Kaana opened its doors on April 25 in St Marys Lane.

Founder and managing director Sadiq Ahmed explained that he was “all about bringing change to the industry” and said he was “obsessed” with customer service.

Being inspired by his father’s food businesses, Sadiq launched Kaani Kaana which prides itself on lesser-known heritage dishes around India and Bangladesh.

The classics such as chicken tikka masala and chicken korma remain on the menu as well.

Sadiq also said “lot of hard work” goes into preparing dishes and even picking the meat.

“We go to our local suppliers to hand pick the fresh meat that we want and although it takes a lot of effort, we know that the quality will be better.”

Table 23, Upminster

Table 23 opened on June 28 according to its social media pages (Image: Newsquest) Table 23 replaced the former Hannah’s Bakery venue in Corbets Tey Road and opened officially on June 28 according to their Instagram and Facebook.

The restaurant serves modern British cuisine but “with a twist”, promising to reimagine classic dishes.

The inspiration behind the restaurant’s name is not only due to its address at number 23 Corbets Tey Road, but also a nod to the location of where the vision for the restaurant came “to life” according to a spokesperson.