Yum Bug opens London’s first permanent insect restaurant

UK-based edible insects company Yum Bug has opened the UK’s first permanent restaurant serving bugs in Finsbury Park, London.

The opening comes following a hugely successful pop-up concept run by the company throughout 2023. The 30-seat restaurant is the latest attempt to normalise edible insects as a cheap, high-protein, low carbon food source.

Founders Aaron Thomas, an entomologist, and Leo Taylor, a designer, have brought in a host of award-winning chefs to design the menu. Insect-based dishes are visually disguised to different degrees to cater to different tolerances – and to make it easier for visitors to enjoy. Some dishes use cricket powder, while bolder diners can opt for whole roasted delicacies.