American Express is bringing back its international grant scheme for independent restaurants for a fifth year, and restaurants across Greater London are invited to apply. 

A total of 10 eligible restaurants of community significance across London will Greater London will each receive a grant of up to £10,500 to enhance their business operations and the experience for diners in the months ahead. 

What the grant is for?

The grant must be used towards critical business needs that support the restaurant for long-term business sustainability. Potential uses could include critical improvements needed to sustain business operations, such as enhancing digital capabilities, building outdoor dining spaces, purchasing new equipment, and making other physical improvements. Read more about last year’s winners. 

Who can apply?

The grant programme is focused on independent food businesses based in either the Greater London areas. Businesses must: 

• be currently open for business, in operation prior to 1st September, 2025
• be a registered for-profit business entity in good standing (or equivalent) in the jurisdiction in which it was formed and the city in which it does business (e.g., not an unincorporated contractor or self-employed individual)
• be a bricks-and-mortar restaurant, café, bar, or pub with a food offering, and not part of a franchise with more than 5 locations
• have an annual revenue in 2025 of less than £1 million GBP

Restaurants meeting the above criteria will be evaluated on the following, with preference given to those that best demonstrate:

• clear use of grant funds and its impact on the restaurant
• ability to deploy grant funds quickly in a 5-month timeframe
• historic, cultural, or community significance
• investment in projects that help restaurants grow, recover, and support their local communities

Note: Acceptance of American Express is not a requirement to be considered for the grant, but prior grant winners of the scheme are not eligible for consideration. 

Further information and how to apply

• Application deadline: 5:00 AM on Tuesday, 17 November 2026 
• FAQs: Review the guidelines via the FAQ Document 
• Terms and conditions: Read the full guidelines in the Terms and Conditions
• Where to apply: Submit your application through the Application Portal