Seoul Plaza, the popular Korean supermarket, is currently scheduled to open in Queensgate in February. The good news is they are recruiting chefs – a sure sign it is set to be one of the Seoul Plaza outlets that sells hot takeaway prepared in an in-store kitchen.
If you like something a little spicier, burritos, tacos, nachos and quesadillas could soon be on the menu in the city centre too, with Mexi Bean Express currently fitting out a former shop in Bridge Street. Initially scheduled to open late last year, the launch date can’t be too far away.
Bridge Street, which was boosted in November by the arrival of the Chaat & Chill Indian street food and cocktail bar, could well have another food and drink destination, with the former Grizzlers burger restaurant premises “under offer”.
Another definite newcomer to the Peterborough scene will be Hickory’s Smoke House, sometime in the Spring.
The Southern-style BBQ restaurant and neighbourhood bar brand is replacing Hampton’s Mulberry Tree Farm pub, which is scheduled to close at the end of February.
Get ready for slow, smoked meats, pulled pork, racks of ribs, chicken wings, burgers, hotdogs and more!
And anytime soon Katana is launching a brand-new dining experience – Tindli Peterborough - in its Bubbles Bar.
In the city centre, there has been plenty of interest in the recently vacated Blind Tiger bar on Cowgate. Likewise, the nearby former smokehouse. Both are unlikely to remain empty for long, so it will be interesting to see what comes along.
The same can be said for the old Stoneworks bar on Church Street, empty since the summer.
On Broadway the 555 cocktail bar and shisha lounge, which closed late last year, was recently sold, so it is fair to say there are plans for that building to return sometime soon.
And Becket’s Traditional Tearooms in the Cathedral Precincts has been empty since April. So with the Cathedral currently looking at new catering partners, the venue with a great view could well return to the fold.
Finally, The Sessions House on Thorpe Road is going through the planning process, with proposed refurbishment set to bring it back into use. Could 2026 be the year we see that happen?
Here’s what happened in 2025 in Peterborough – new openings and some closures.
9. New for 2026
The 555 bar premises was sold late last year and isn't expected to stay empty for too long Photo: Brad
10. New for 2026
Becket’s Traditional Tearooms in the Cathedral Precincts has been closed since April last year Photo: Brad
11. New for 2026
The Sessions House could be in line for refurbishment and a return to the fold Photo: Brad
12. New for 2026
Bubbles Bar at Katana will be home to Tindli Peterborough Photo: David Lowndes