Those keen to dine out on New Year’s Day, thus ringing in 2026 with admirable sensibility and style, are presented with slimmer options than most bank holidays. This is understandable — it takes somebody of immeasurable willpower to forego a hangover on the first day of the year. Hospitality folk included.
And so January 1 brings understandable closures. It is important people rest. But there are numerous restaurants with large enough teams to allow clocks to tick on, tables to be served. Here are 10 solid options for a breezy lunch on New Year’s Day. Go slow, go well, and be kind.
