The hospitality scene is buzzing with new and award-winning hotels, must-visit cocktail bars, and a celebrity chef teaming up with a popular restaurant.
Park Hyatt London River Thames to Open
Nestled along the banks of the Thames, Park Hyatt London River Thames stands as a beacon of refined elegance for the intuitive traveller seeking an immersive London journey.
With interiors graced by the iconic craftsmanship of 20 renowned artists, this new hotel promises an ambiance that echoes the comfort of home, with a sophistication uniquely its own. Majestic river vistas offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, positioning guests at the very heart of London’s vibrant pulse; just a stone's throw from Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tate Britain and much more.
Park Hyatt London River Thames offers 203 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, including the two ambassador suites and the distinguished presidential suite, each bathed in natural light, with a mesmerizing panorama of the city’s skyline or a tranquil view of the Thames.
Guests can enjoy diverse culinary experiences, including modern plates at The Nine Elms Kitchen & Terrace, classic cocktails in The Nine Elms Bar & Lounge, wine and afternoon delights at TAMISé, the captivating wine library and tea lounge and the Asian Restaurant (to be announced) that promises delicious, authentic Cantonese flavours.
Add a dedicated floor for wellness with an opulent indoor pool, technologically-advanced gym, spa and sauna facilities - this hotel has it all..
When: Opens October 8th.
Where: 7 Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5PH.
London Hotel's Named Among the World's Best
The World's 50 Best Hotels have been revealed - and three city hotels are among them!
While Bangkok's Capella Hotel earned the top spot for the year, three iconic London hotels made it to the 50 Best - Raffles at The OWO which landed at number 13, Claridge's at number 11 and The Connaught at number 46.
The 50 Best brand is the leading authority in global gastronomy and the international drinks scene, showcasing worldwide trends and highlighting great restaurants and bars from all corners of the Earth.
No. 11 - Claridge's
Opened in 1856, Claridge’s has been the chosen London bolthole for celebrities, politicians and royalty throughout its lifespan, who relish its unfaltering hospitality and discretion. A seven-year renovation was completed in 2022, ensuring the Mayfair property remains the jewel in the crown of the Maybourne hotel group.
No13 - Raffles London at The OWO
A historic opening on a historic site, Raffles London at The OWO launched in late 2023 in the renovated former Old War Office. Homages to its rich history are present throughout the hotel, such as fabrics inspired by the Household Cavalry’s red uniforms and original mosaics. Making a stellar debut into the list, the hotel earns the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award 2024.
No. 46 - The Connaught
The Connaught has been a mainstay of London’s luxury hotel game since 1917, thanks in part to its immaculate service and wide-reaching hospitality. The Maybourne property has stayed in form through subtle innovations and refinements to its lodgings, paired with a world-leading line up of restaurants and bars.
New Cocktail Bar for Music Lovers
A new subterranean cocktail bar designed for music lovers has opened its doors, focusing on smooth cocktails and sounds. Nestled under the city’s bustling streets within the brand-new Hyde London City hotel, Black Lacquer pays homage to the Hyde brand’s origins on the LA club scene, with a late night venue specialising in slick and playful drinks and endless vinyl.
Black Lacquer will be a space where a multitude of music genres are celebrated – this new creative hangout will feature vinyl-forward music programming - enlisting the best and most dynamic of the city's music scene for DJ performances. Special monthly takeovers from eclectic music collectives from across the city will showcase and uplift emerging talent.
Black Lacquer’s cocktail menu is a combination of classic and innovative flavours, served in elegant Shotuku and Kimura glassware over hand-carved blocks of crystal-clear ice. A large selection of the distilled Japanese spirit Shochu fills the shelves.
Where: Black Lacquer, HYDE London City, 15 Old Bailey, EC4M 7EF.
When: Now open.
Web: hydehotels.com/london.
Chef to Spice Up the Menu at Terra
Eataly London is collaborating with Italian chef and TV personality Carlo Cracco, to take over its wood-fired dining restaurant, Terra. This partnership will showcase a new menu by the legendary Italian chef, including his famous soft eggs - Uovo al Tartufo. As well as providing a new look and feel to Terra, the restaurant collaboration will see Cracco working collaboratively with Eataly, bringing his unique and modern culinary vision to life.
First opening in February 2022, Eataly’s Terra offers a relaxed dining space with a focus on seasonal ingredients cooked over fire, highlighting simple, Italian cooking techniques. Terra, meaning earth, will continue to champion its original values with an elevated twist from Chef Carlo Cracco who will maintain the use of an existing two-metre-long-wood-fired grill at the heart of Terra.
Diners will be welcomed into the warm restaurant, leaning into a natural, earthy feel. The theme will continue into the restaurant itself, with copper elements running throughout and clean, simply laid tables.
Carlo Cracco was born in Vicenza and has a long career in the restaurant industry. He started out at a three Michelin Star restaurant in Milan in 1986 and from there, pursued a career in the culinary world, becoming Head Chef at a three Michelin Star restaurant in Florence and opening his own restaurants, Cracco Galleria, the Michelin Star restaurant, and Cracco Portofino, alongside an online shop, Cracco Express. He has also featured on Italian versions of popular cooking shows such as Masterchef Italia and Hell’s Kitchen.
When: Launches Thursday, 17th October with interactive cooking demonstrations by Chef Cracco.
Where: Eataly London,135 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD.
Web: https://eataly.co.uk/.
Michelin-Starred Mayfair Restaurant Celebrates Diwali
Benares invites guests to celebrate Diwali with a special tasting menu in honour of the Festival of Lights, from 28th October to 3rd November.
Chef Sameer Taneja has created a menu packed with celebratory dishes and flavours, priced at £129pp for eight courses.
The menu includes Scottish Halibut Tikka and Hing-Mutter Shorba with Cauliflower Scallop, a dish inspired by the cultural heritage of the city of Benares. Sparkling Tea acts as a palate cleanser before the irresistible flavours of Butter Chicken Samosa, and Lumina Lamb Pulao. Malai Ghevar, an airy pastry filled with condensed milk and nuts, will provide a sweet conclusion to the Diwali feast.
Honouring Diwali’s focus on vegetarian offerings as symbols of abundance and well-being, equal care and attention has been given to the vegetarian menu, which features Arbi Chaat; Butter Paneer Samosa and Kale & Fig Kofta Korma.
In keeping with the Diwali tradition of gifting, every guest that enjoys the tasting menu will receive an envelope containing special gifts or prizes, such as complimentary signature cocktails or desserts on the night, as well as the chance to win a tasting menu with wine pairings at the Chef’s Table.
When: 28th October to 3rd November.
Where: 12a Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 6BS.
Luxury Hotel Complex for Covent Garden
The Other House, Covent Garden is a new, luxury apartment hotel in the heart of London's West End. Luxury accommodation & members' club, opening 2025.
Located close to the famous piazza, The Other House Covent Garden will be made up of no less than seven separate historic buildings, including a former rectory, and will feature a striking inner glazed atrium. The hotel group also plans to add a further three floors to the site to offer guests arresting views of the capital. The site will include the brand’s signature Club Flats alongside a destination bar, casual bistro and a rooftop bar. A private Members’ Club will offer a restaurant and bar, a wellness centre, and hi-tech gym.
When: 2025.
Where: Covent Garden.
Web: https://otherhouse.com/.
NEWS IN BRIEF
St Regis London - To Open Next Year
Marriott International has confirmed its long-awaited first UK St Regis hotel will open in the former Westbury hotel in London's Mayfair in 2025. As revealed previously, the hotel is undergoing a £90 million redevelopment, including the addition of an eighth floor. When complete, the hotel will comprise 196 rooms and suites, alongside a signature restaurant, speakeasy jazz bar, fitness centre and spa.
When: 2025.
Where: Mayfair.
The July – London
After rebranding to The July Group, the Amsterdam-based hospitality operator CityID is launching a major European expansion of its new hotel collection,including The July – London. The group's first overseas acquisition, The July – London will be a hybrid apartment-hotel in the heart of Victoria.
When: Mid-2025.
Where: Victoria.
AngloThai To Open a Permanent Home in Marylebone
After running pop-ups and supperclubs in the city, AngloThai is opening a permanent location - on the site of The Gate, this autumn! Husband and wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak will open in Marylebone with MJMK Restaurants. Inspired by his dual heritage, Chef John’s Chantarasak's menu marries bold, Thai flavours with seasonal ingredients sourced within the British Isles. Meanwhile, Desiree is in charge of the wine and her passion for excellent wine grower craftsmanship is depicted in her European wine selection, often from a new generation of winemakers.
When: This autumn.
Where: Seymour Place, W1H 7NL.
New Mexican for Mayfair
Fonda is new restaurant showcasing the evolution of Mexican cuisine, design and craftsmanship, from Chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants.
Opening yesterday, Fonda brings to London the colours and cooking of the restaurants, markets and homes that represent Mexico – all through Santiago’s unique lens. Fonda will offer the"warm hospitality and comforting food Santiago would most like to experience himself, drawing on the nostalgic dishes of his childhood and opening up his metaphorical home, creating a convivial space for guests to enjoy the fruits of his extensive regional travels."
When: Opened yesterday.
Where: Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BZ.
Fulham FC Changes the Hospitality Game
Fulham football stadium Craven Cottage is opening a state-of-the-art hospitality venue including multiple restaurants, a roof terrace member’s club much more.
Shahid Khan, Fulham FC Chairman said: “Make no mistake, the riverside development will be a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club, our neighbourhood, and all of London.”
Set to open this December are the Sky Deck roof terrace and three restaurants - The Gourmet, The Brasserie and The Original.
When: Due to open December 20024.
Where: Stevenage Road, SW6 6H.
New Partnership - New Italian Restaurant
Word has it that Corinthia London is joining forces with chef Francesco Mazzei, to launch a new Italian restaurant at the hotel next summer.
The new eatery will open in the space currently occupied by The Northall, which will remain open until this winter before closing for a full refurbishment.
In recent years, Calabrian-born Mazzei has been in residency in Malta at the Corinthia Palace. In London, he's best known for launching the upmarket Italian restaurant L’Anima followed by three sites with D&D: Sartoria, Mayfair; Radici, Islington; and Fiume at Battersea Power Station.
When: Due to open next summer.
Where: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD.
New Hotel for Finchley Road?
Plans have been submitted to Camden Council for a new 59-bedroom boutique.
If given the go ahead, office and retail units at 9-12 New College Parade, off Finchley Road town centre, would be transformed into a new seven-storey, mixed-use building with 59 bedrooms, three residential units on the first floor and a restaurant on the ground and basement levels. There will also be a shared hotel / residential reception and lobby, communal space. The existing two-storey Edwardian baroque facade of the site would be retained.
When: Date tbc.
Where: 9-12 New College Parade, NW3 5EX.