From brand new hotel openings to prize-winning restaurants, it's all happening in the city's hospitality scene.
Continuing its global expansion, London will be the eighth Virgin Hotels location as it brings the brand home to its birthplace and where it all started for Sir Richard and the Virgin Group. It will become the 17th property for the wider Virgin Hotels Collection, having just announced a new property in Kenya and following the successful launches of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Virgin Hotels New York in 2023.
The 120-bedroom hotel, located at 45 Curtain Road in the heart of Shoreditch, is one of the most striking buildings in London’s East End landscape, making it the perfect fit with Virgin Hotels’ ethos and philosophy. Its seven other luxury lifestyle hotels are also located in iconic urban locations across key cities in the US and UK.
The hotel’s Spanish restaurant BiBo in association with chef Dani Garcia will remain as well as the rooftop bar, pool, restaurant, private members club, gym and treatment rooms.
When: Thursday, 1st August 2024.
Where: Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3PT.
The Ledbury Scoops a National Award
The Ledbury has been named the UK’s best restaurant at the prestigious National Restaurant Awards, marking the fourth time it has won the award.
The Ledbury Chef Patron Brett Graham; culinary delights; the dining room. Photos: Justin De Souza.
The Notting Hill restaurant, headed up by Brett Gellman, previously secured the honour for three years in a row in 2010, 2011 and 2012, and currently holds three Michelin stars.
The restaurant shut briefly in 2020 due to Covid but reopened in 2022 and has since gone from strength to strength.
Much talked-about new venue Mountain received second place in what was a standout night for the capital – 53 out of the top 100 are London-based. Kol, which came 17th in the World Restaurant Awards, was placed 49th.
Other highlights include a Lifetime Achievement Award for Michel Roux, Chef of the Year Award for Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare and the ‘chef to watch’ honour going to Akoko‘s Ayo Adeyemi.
A Fifth London Hotel for The Resident Brand
Mactaggart Family & Partners have been given the go-ahead for a new hotel, due to open in 2027.
Planning permission has been granted for The Resident Farringdon, which will feature 128 bedrooms, a third-party operated restaurant, cafe and retail spaces at ground level. There will also be a pocket garden for all to enjoy.
Located on Long Lane, the hotel has been designed by EPR Architects.
David Orr, CEO of Resident Hotels said: "The Resident Farringdon opens up a prime destination within the ‘Culture Mile’ BID, where community, culinary and commercial innovation cohabit in abundance. The prospect of partnering with local, yet world-renowned Arts institutions, engaging with our culturally affluent guests, is very exciting. As the brand itself reflects, it is our desire to be the very best of neighbours to local residents and local businesses, embedded in the area."
In London, The Resident already boasts locations in Covent Garden, Kensington, Soho and Victoria.
When: 2027.
Where: Long Lane, Farringdon.
TA-KO Delivers a Taste of Asia to Stoke Newington
The team behind the well-loved Stoke Newington cocktail hangout, Victory Mansion, has opened the doors to their new venture, TA-KO. The Asian-inspired menu offers guests a creative culinary experience of big, bright, and bold Asian flavours served in soft corn tortillas, a selection of irresistible sides, and a range of expertly crafted cocktails, the ultimate celebration of two incredible food cultures.
Inside, TA-KO has a modern design with Asian influence; bench seating, feature wallpaper, and rattan chairs complete the space. Downstairs, TA-KO can cater for private parties and events. The 'kitchen table' seats 16 and offers an intimate experience perfect for birthdays or fun get-togethers with friends, is situated opposite the open-plan kitchen. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor terrace space.
Nahm jim chicken taco; Ceviche Tostadas; Jackfruit prep. Photos: Nic Crilly-Hargrave.
When: Now Open.
Where: 18 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7PL.
Web: www.ta-ko.uk.
ALBA to Open in Knightsbridge
ALBA is the new Italian restaurant which promises to 'bring the charms of the Amalfi coast' to London. Situated opposite Harrods, Alba aims to offer a sensory journey through the Amalfi coast by celebrating both Italian flavours and generosity.
It is said to provide guests with 'a joyful escape in an elegant interior design which mirrors the coastal palette.
When: Due to open this month.
Where: 70 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1ER.
Web: https://alba-ldn.uk.
Landmark London Hotel Sold to Turkish Tourism Group
It has been revealed this week that the Great Northern Hotel, in the heart of King's Cross St Pancras, has been sold to Turkish owner operator Kaya Holdings for an undisclosed sum.
The impressive 88-key Great hotel is widely considered as one of London’s first purpose-built hotels. Opened in 1854, its iconic curved architecture was designed by Lewis Cubitt, the celebrated architect responsible for King’s Cross station which had opened two years previously. Impeccably renovated and reopened in 2013, the property is branded under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio.
The Grade II-listed property is Kaya Tourism Group’s first London site and marks the beginning of the company’s expansion into the UK and the wider European market.
Kaya Tourism Group is part of Kaya Holding, which owns and operates 13 hotels in Turkey and Cyprus, across its two brands – Kaya Palazzo Hotels & Resorts and Kaya Hotels & Resorts.
Riverside Pop-Up at Battersea Power Station
ArcadeX brings best-in-class global food and drink from its food halls to the riverside, taking over the historic Coaling Jetty at Battersea Power Station from today!
The ultimate summer hotspot from Arcade, the group behind smash burger pioneers, Manna and South American-inspired grill Solis, ArcadeX will deliver street food specials, cold wine and beer on tap, fresh cocktails and live DJs, all set on the river with one of London’s most iconic buildings as the backdrop.
Cokey Sulkin, Arcade’s COO, said: “The Coaling Jetty offers a spectacular view of the iconic Battersea Power Station and is a truly unique venue on the River Thames. By bringing Arcade’s signature brands here we believe we will create an outdoor dining experience quite unlike anything else in London.”
Sam Cotton, Head of Asset Management at Battersea Power Station, said: “We have a very exciting summer lined up at Battersea Power Station with the return of The Battersea Games and London’s most exciting sports and games events. The ArcadeX pop-up will be a brilliant addition to the summer offering, providing the ideal spot for visitors to indulge in delicious food and drink whilst enjoying stunning views across the River Thames and the historic Power Station.”
When: Opens today, 5th July.
Where: Battersea Power Station,SW11 8BJ.
Covent Garden's New Live Music & Cocktail Bar
Tucked away under Covent Garden Market, Stereo is the latest live music and cocktail bar to join the London scene from international hospitality brand, Experimental Group.
Inspired by the vibrant late-night cultures of New York and London, complete with undertones of Parisian chic, Stereo will offer a masterfully curated mix of music, food and drinks. A place to arrive for an aperitif, stay for dinner and dance into the early hours.
Reservations are recommended, but they will always keep room for walk-ins who will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Now Open.
Where: Covent Garden.