Caravan is to open its largest restaurant to date at London’s Southbank Centre this November, marking the all-day dining group’s tenth restaurant.
The 8,500 sq ft flagship will occupy two floors alongside an outdoor terrace and represents the latest stage in Caravan’s expansion since opening its first restaurant on Exmouth Market in 2010.
The development includes the reconstruction of two railway arches to create three all-day dining spaces, two bars, a mezzanine cocktail and listening bar lounge, events space, private dining room overlooking the Hayward Gallery and an open kitchen.
An outdoor dining terrace will also form part of the restaurant.
The ground floor will additionally be home to The Klink, a new Caravan format located within a small railway arch connected to the main restaurant and opening directly onto the street.
Scheduled to launch in January 2027, The Klink will serve Caravan’s speciality takeaway coffee alongside cocktails and a condensed food menu.
As with Caravan’s existing restaurants, the Southbank restaurant will operate throughout the day, serving breakfast and coffee through to lunch, dinner and cocktails.
Set menus will also be available for groups and private events, while its location within the Southbank Centre will provide opportunities for pre and post-show dining around the venue’s year-round programme of exhibitions and performances.
Architecture and interiors studio BOX 9 has worked with Caravan on the design, combining elements of the Southbank Centre’s architectural heritage with contemporary additions.
Sustainability has also formed part of the design approach, with natural products, organic textures and regenerative materials incorporated throughout the restaurant.
Caravan was founded on Exmouth Market in 2010 by New Zealanders Laura Harper-Hinton, Chris Ammermann and Miles Kirby.
The business was established around globally influenced food, its own speciality coffee and an all-day dining format, and has since expanded across London and Manchester.
Laura Harper-Hinton, Co-Founder and CEO of Caravan, said: “Caravan Southbank is a special moment for us. It’s our tenth restaurant and our biggest opening to date, and we couldn’t think of a more iconic place to reach that milestone.
“We love the Southbank Centre – It’s one of London’s most exciting destinations, bringing together food, culture and creativity in a way that feels completely unique. We’ve designed the restaurant to reflect that energy – a space where people can drop in for a morning coffee, settle in for breakfast, brunch and lunch, or spend the evening over cocktails and dinner.
“The space also gives us room to try new things, like our new takeaway coffee & cocktail bar, The Klink.”
Rebecca Brindle, Head of Commercial at the Southbank Centre, added: “We are delighted to welcome Caravan to the Southbank Centre. Their all-day approach to food, coffee and hospitality makes them a natural fit for our unique cultural setting and the wide range of visitors who come here throughout the day.
“Caravan will bring fresh energy to one of our most prominent restaurant spaces, creating a vibrant new destination that complements our world-class arts and cultural programme.”
Caravan Southbank is scheduled to open in November 2026, with The Klink following in January 2027.
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