Starting as we mean to go on: Exploring Culinary Delights!

This month has been an exciting journey through the vibrant culinary scene of London, with two standout restaurants making waves in their respective neighbourhoods: Akub in Notting Hill and Cavita on Wignore Street.

Akub: A Taste of the Middle East in Notting Hill

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Akub offers a unique dining experience that beautifully marries Mediterranean & Middle Eastern flavours that is Palestinian Cuisine. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for a delightful meal. The decor strikes a balance between chic and cozy, making it an ideal spot for both casual lunches and special dinners.

The menu at Akub is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality and flavor. From the moment we started with the snacks, it was clear that this restaurant takes pride in its culinary roots.

One of the standout dishes was the monkfish, perfectly cooked. It was tender, flavourful, and I paired it beautifully with the fava. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream was a must and did not disappoint.

Akub is not just about food; the service is exceptional, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Akub is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the essence of Palestinian dining.

Cavita: Modern Mexican Flavors on Wignore Street

Just a short stroll away on Wignore Street, Cavita brings a fresh perspective to Mexican cuisine. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere, with colorful decor that reflects the rich culture of Mexico. It’s a place that invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure filled with bold flavors and innovative dishes

Cavita’s menu is a testament to the diversity of Mexican food, featuring both traditional favorites and modern interpretations. We started our meal with the HAMACHI TOSTADA & CRAB INFLADITA, made fresh to order. The balance of flavours was impeccable, and it set the tone for the rest of the meal

For the main course, the MOLE VERDE & CALABAZA A LA VIZCAINA were the highlights. The rich, complex sauce created a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.

For dessert we tried 7 of their signature cocktails (we could not eat anymore) and our favourites were the Paloma & Golden Honey Bee. Their cocktails are not to be missed! It’s clear that Cavita is dedicated to providing an authentic yet innovative dining experience that delights the senses.

Take Away!

Both Akub and Cavita offer unique dining experiences that showcase the best of what their respective cuisines have to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for Palestinian delights or a lively Mexican feast, these restaurants are sure to impress. This month’s culinary adventures have certainly reminded us of the rich tapestry of flavours available in London’s ever-evolving food scene. Make sure to add these gems to your dining list!

Serenity Snapshot

As we say goodbye to 2025 and reflect on the year gone by, I am excited to share a glimpse into our journey at Serenity London.
2024 was filled with unforgettable moments, growth, and spectacular events that brought us closer to our cherished clients and partners. With that here is a little Serenity Snapshot…

2024 Industry Insights

The events and hospitality industry showcased remarkable resilience and innovation this year. As we reflect, popular cities for conferences has been both Limassol & Lisbon, while Italy has remained as the top country for weddings, capturing hearts with its romantic charm.

Our most requested destinations for weddings in 2024 were equally split between the stunning landscapes of Cyprus and the romantic allure of Greece. Interestingly, while we noticed a decline in requests for private chefs at home, there was a remarkable surge in private dining experiences, with inquiries for these gatherings surpassing those for traditional birthday party receptions.

Serenity Highlights

At Serenity, we celebrated a diverse range of weddings this year. Our smallest wedding was an intimate gathering of just 10 people, reflecting the growing trend towards micro-personalised celebrations. In contrast, our largest wedding brought together 240 guests, showcasing the joy of larger gatherings filled with love and laughter.

Our favourite venue of the year has to be the stunning Amara Hotel in Limassol, which provided a breathtaking backdrop for various events. Additionally, our preferred event space was the chic Sud Lisbon, where elegance and comfort blend seamlessly

Among the enchanting locations we explored, Cascais stood out as our favorite town, with its picturesque views and vibrant culture.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have our sights set on visiting Shanghai, a city bursting with potential and inspiration.

This year, our clients truly elevated their celebrations by investing in their flowers and decor, closely followed by entertainment and videography. It’s heartwarming to witness how much our clients value creating beautiful, memorable experiences

Additionally, we discovered three innovative companies developing wonderful and much-needed technologies for the events space, which we can't wait to share more about in a future blog. These trends highlight the evolving preferences of our clients and the dynamic nature of the events industry, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

Exciting Launches

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exclusive venue directory, a curated collection of venues that exceeded our expectations. This directory is designed to assist those who cannot hire an event & wedding planner with finding the perfect setting for their next event, making the planning process more enjoyable and seamless.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on 2025, we are excited to unveil more engaging events for the Serenity community. Stay tuned for unique experiences that will inspire and connect us all.
We expect the trend of experiential events to continue to rise, with more couples and organisations seeking individualistic experiences that leave lasting memories.

In the spirit of goodwill and hope, we would like to leave you with a few words from the Bible: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

May your 2025 be filled with creativity, joy, love, and of course Serenity.

xoxo
Team Serenity

How to Plan a Memorable Team-Building Event: Best Practices for Engaging Activities

Team-building events are about more than just getting out of the office; they’re an opportunity to build bonds, spark creativity, and boost team morale. To make a team-building event truly memorable, here’s a quick guide to planning one that resonates with your team and brings lasting value. It has worked for us, and we are sure it will work for you too.

1. Start with Clear Objectives

Every great event begins with a purpose. Are you hoping to encourage collaboration, develop communication skills, or simply enjoy a day out? Knowing your “why” ensures that the activities you choose create meaningful connections and align with your goals.

2. Pick the Right Location

The setting makes a big difference. Outdoor locations are great for adventure and energy, while creative indoor spaces can encourage brainstorming and focused group activities. Match the environment to the vibe you’re hoping to create.

3. Plan Inclusive Activities

Choose activities that engage everyone! Mix in a bit of everything—lighthearted icebreakers, problem-solving challenges, and maybe even a skill-building workshop. Keep it collaborative rather than competitive, so everyone feels part of the team.

4. Personalize the Experience

Make it yours! Incorporate elements of your company culture or let the team vote on some of the activities. Personalised touches create stronger connections and make the event feel unique to your organisation.

5. Wrap Up with Practical Takeaways

Great team-building events offer more than just fun—they leave everyone with something they can take back to work. Consider a short reflection or wrap-up session to reinforce lessons learned or simply share some laughs and highlights from the day.

Planning an unforgettable team-building experience doesn’t have to be complicated. A little thought, personalization, and focus on inclusivity can go a long way. At Serenity London, we’re here to help make your next team-building event one for the books!