Three Uncles is backing counter service as the preferred model for its future expansion as the Hong Kong-inspired restaurant group prepares to open its eighth London location.
The new King’s Cross restaurant is expected to open in early October 2026 at 66 York Way, taking over the former Ekachai site.
Spanning approximately 1,000 sq ft, the restaurant will accommodate around 40 to 50 diners.
Customers will order at the counter before dining in a restaurant inspired by Hong Kong food courts and neighbourhood siu mei shops.
The group believes the format combines operational efficiency with the atmosphere and food quality associated with a full-service casual dining restaurant.
The King’s Cross site will also introduce a broader drinks offer including organic wines, beer, alcohol-free drinks and bubble tea, alongside Hong Kong-inspired desserts.
Three Uncles has developed the format using lessons from across its existing estate, which ranges from smaller grab-and-go locations to neighbourhood restaurants in Brixton and Ealing.
Co-founder Cheong Yew, known as Uncle Lim, said: “Every restaurant we have opened has taught us something, and King’s Cross brings those lessons together.
“We are trading well and continuing to grow, so this is about being very deliberate about the model we believe gives Three Uncles the greatest potential for the future.
“Counter service allows us to run an efficient restaurant while still delivering the food, value, energy and experience that have built the brand.”
Co-founder Mo Kwok, known as Uncle Mo, added: “We have always loved the accessibility of counter service.
“It is how so many of the places we grew up eating at in Hong Kong worked: great food, served quickly, in places full of people and atmosphere.
“King’s Cross takes that principle and develops it further. You have the ease of our original model, plus great drinks, desserts, music, and a lively evening atmosphere.
“It can be somewhere you stop for a quick meal, or somewhere you spend the evening with friends.”
The business is actively seeking further sites across London, with counter service expected to play a central role in its next phase of growth.
The founders said the approach also brings the business closer to the food courts and siu mei shops that originally inspired Three Uncles.
Kwok said: “King’s Cross brings that heart and soul right back to the centre of the concept.
“It will feel easy, fun and welcoming, whether you are stopping for lunch, meeting after work or bringing a group of friends for the evening.
“King’s Cross welcomes commuters, workers, students, residents and visitors from around the world every day, and we think Three Uncles can offer something genuinely different to the area.”
More than 2,500 people have registered for updates ahead of the opening through the group’s website, digital advertising and QR codes displayed on the restaurant hoarding.
For comparison, around 2,300 people registered ahead of the opening of Three Uncles’ Brent Cross restaurant.
To mark the King’s Cross launch, the first 500 registered customers will be offered 50% off and receive a launch goodie bag.
A media and influencer preview is planned ahead of the restaurant’s public opening in early October.
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