Located in Stratford, the museum opens in 2026.
The V&A East Museum is set to be spectacular. Scheduled to open in spring 2026 in Stratford, it will be home to arts and culture, from the Middle East to East Africa. Now, it has been announced the team behind the acclaimed restaurant, Jikoni, will be opening the new museum.
Jikoni’s founders, Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, announced the news. The pair are behind the restaurant located in Marylebone. Launched in 2016, it combines South Asian, Middle Eastern, East African and British influences. The name and details of the new restaurant in Stratford have not yet been confirmed.
Ravinder and Nadeem explained: “We’re excited to be in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on East Bank, with a project that will speak to the depth and breadth of the culturally rich and diverse communities in East London. Beyond serving nourishing and delicious food, our intention is inclusivity, collaboration and connectivity.”
Laura Parker, Deputy Director of V&A East, added: “Ravinder and Nadeem share our vision of making the arts and culture more accessible. They’ll be bringing their passion for storytelling through food while focusing on seasonal ingredients, sustainability, and supporting local producers. Alongside delicious food and drinks, the café will also host events and experiences that bring people together in new and exciting ways.”
If you can’t wait for V&A East Museum, V&A East Storehouse is scheduled to open on 31 May. Spanning four floors, it brings together more than a quarter of a million objects. At its heart, it gives you the chance to go behind the scenes and explore untold stories. In September, the David Bowie Centre opens with more than 90,000 items, which range from hand written lyrics to instruments.
Check in with FACT for the best things to do in London.
GO: Visit www.vam.ac.uk for more information.