One of the most well-known restaurants in downtown Lille has just closed its doors for good

For many Lille residents, it was a bit of a "go-to" restaurant in the city center. The place where we met up, where we ended our evenings after a movie or before a show. But after 29 years of existence, the Hippopotamus located on the ground floor of the Carlton Lille has permanently closed its doors on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

A chapter in the Lille city center turns

Opened in 1997 on the lively place du Théâtre, right across from the Lille Opera, the restaurant had been part of the scenery for decades. It was almost an "automatic" destination in the Lille landscape. But behind this closure lies a strong desire to turn the page and modernize the space. Miguel and Anne-Solène Toulemonde, who are taking over the lease, are already planning a complete transformation of the establishment.

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A brand new "more modern" restaurant this summer

At the place of Hippopotamus, a brand new restaurant called "Green House" will open at the beginning of August. The goal: to create a more contemporary, accessible, and ambiance-focused spot. Anne-Solène Toulemonde mentions a place ““Friendly” and “hip,” designed to mix generations and profiles in the same space. The project also includes a large terrace on the Place du Théâtre, facing the Opéra de Lille. And honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better spot for the Lille summer.

Before Hippopotamus, other iconic places occupied the address

What’s amazing about this part of downtown is that it has always hosted notable establishments. Long before Hippopotamus, the ground floor of the Carlton had already seen the Café Jean, the Motte-Cordonnier brasserie in the 60s, and the Vega Store in the 70s, known back then for its festive atmosphere.

No jobs lost

Good news despite the closure: the entire team is expected to be retained in the future project. More than 30 employees will be taken on, and new hires are even planned to support the opening of the Green House this summer. Given the location and the announced ambitions, there’s a strong chance the place will become a...