Whats New in 2025! Hospitality Edition

As the first quarter of 2025 closes, spring is arriving and we can look forward to lots of new hotels, restaurants and event spaces opening in the vibrant cities of London and Manchester. Here are just a few that made it into my top picks.

6 Senses London 

The Six Senses Hotel and Spa is set to open their doors summer 2025 in The Whitley London with 109 guest rooms and suites, 14 residencies, new event spaces, a lobby bar and lounge and a new restaurant, there's something for everyone. Designed with wellness, growth and reconnection in mind, they’ve found the perfect balance of modern decor combined with natural elements. Also on offer, and maybe what’s most intriguing to me, is their spa designed to look like an old underground station with themes to match the different energies of city life. 

Tucked away on the 2nd floor you’ll find ‘Six Senses Place’, an exclusive social and wellness club for residents. Complete with a bar and lounge, its own exclusive restaurant with private dining rooms, and various wellness rooms to encourage self reflection and growth. 

Ergon House

The second Hotel opening in London in 2025 that caught my attention is Ergon House in Covent Garden. This will be their first hotel outside of Greece so I am excited to see what they do with the space. Operating on a much smaller scale than Six Senses with only 20 guest rooms, it offers a more intimate experience. The thing I’m most excited for is the Agora Marketplace on the ground floor with bakers, butchers, greengrocers and fishmongers, creating an authentic mediterranean experience. 

Songhelou 

The first Songhelou restaurant opened more than 250 years ago in Suzhou, China, and it’s said that emperors of the Qing Dynasty dined here when visiting the town. This year they’re opening their first overseas restaurant in Chinatown, London, bringing a taste of Jiangnan cuisine. Spread across 3 floors you can enjoy the classic (and famous) Suzhou-style noodles or their popular ‘squirrel fish’, paired with a variety of teas, in keeping with Suzhou tradition.  

Brasserie Constance

Adam Byatt, a Michelin star chef, is opening a new restaurant at Fulham Pier, London, set to offer a modern British dining experience. Named after Constance Spry, known for her floristry and collaborations with Fulham pottery, we can expect to see floral motifs and ceramics throughout the decor. I expect this will bring a cozy, homely atmosphere, and paired with the seasonal dishes Byatt will be offering will make for a rather pleasant experience. 

Mollies Motel and Diner 

Opening in summer 2025, Mollie’s 3rd location in Manchester's Old Granada Studios will begin welcoming guests. With 130 guest rooms, a diner and meeting and event spaces, they’ve got all bases covered. Despite the fact it's called a motel, the decor is elegant and modern and the lounges and bars are inviting. The diner has all your typical diner offerings such as burgers, wings and shakes but also offers plenty of options for those with a more refined palette. Hopefully if the brand's success continues, we will see more branches opening across the UK. 

Cut and Craft 

Located in the old Manchester and Salford Bank, Cut and Craft is a beautiful up and coming steak restaurant. I particularly love how they’ve transformed the old bank vaults into unique private dining rooms allowing them to offer an elevated dining experience. The classy decor and lavish menus really set this restaurant apart.

It looks like 2025 has a lot in store for us, and I simply cannot wait.
Do any of my top picks interest you too?

Teegan x

2025 Music Events in London

2025 seems like a year we won’t forget when it comes to live music shows. The year started off strong with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Thomas selling out two shows at the intimate KOKO London venue. Despite being known for his TV career, his recent single, "MUTT," has become a social media favorite, propelling his fame even further. Watching the tickets disappear off my screen in real time was certainly a sight to behold. Failed attempts for me and many others meant that having a Leon Thomas ticket was like holding onto gold dust! The anticipation for his show was met with social media reviews pouring out admiration for what appeared to be a moving performance.

While tickets for his show felt like a Hunger Games simulation, February became even more eventful with the announcement of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour. The UK was in luck, as London was one of only two chosen European destinations. Witnessing her Renaissance World Tour back in 2023 was a valuable experience that, in my opinion, was worth every penny. The clear investments made into her choreography, stage production, and overall atmosphere made it only right for me to see her again! This shared sentiment led to increased demand, prompting Beyoncé to extend her UK stops to a total of six dates! With several popular shows on sale around the same time, Ticketmaster’s website struggled to handle the influx of traffic. Many of us experienced website crashes, errors, and blocked access (yes, I was one of those people). After 25 minutes of queuing and near misses, I was fortunate enough to purchase tickets for myself and my friends. Excitement is high, and talks of outfits are already underway. June can’t come soon enough!

Just when things couldn’t get any more intense, another tour announcement broke the internet—Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Amidst his feud with Canadian artist Drake, the well-known rapper not only won several Grammys but also released an album and performed at the Super Bowl. Shortly after, announcements were made extending his joint tour to Europe. This dynamic duo has fans on the edge of their seats, as they’re expected to perform twice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July. Both artists have strong individual fanbases, and their incredible synergy is something many of us can’t resist witnessing live. With SZA releasing the deluxe version of her "SOS" album, fans can expect to see fresh performances mixed with classic hits and, of course, the duo’s iconic collaborations (All The Stars, I’m looking at you!).

Switching gears a bit, another artist whose live events are the talk of the town is Pitbull. We all know Pitbull, a.k.a. Mr. Worldwide, and the pop hits he’s released over the years. Footage from his recent Party After Dark Tour has unexpectedly swept across platforms like TikTok, leaving many of us intrigued. The crowd at his shows is not just made up of die-hard fans, but also casual listeners looking to have a great time. Many videos show attendees dressed as Pitbull himself, complete with bald caps and shades. This humorous aspect has boosted sales even further, leading to the confirmation of an extra date to accommodate the demand. Alongside special guest Shaggy, attendees can expect a rave-like experience at his O2 Arena dates in June.

Lastly, we have an event that will be a first of its kind in London. SXSW (South by Southwest), an annual American event, is set to bring their conference to the capital on June 5th. The event aims not only to host cross-sector discussion panels but also to have a music festival accompanying it. Nigerian superstar Tems has been chosen to headline the inaugural show. Her recent international recognition has made her the face of Afro R&B and arguably part of Nigeria’s new “Big 3.” With hits like “Love Me Jeje” and “Essence,” her success is a testament to how much African music has grown in popularity. As one of my favorite artists, I had the chance to see her at All Points East last year. Her combination of live vocals and live band elements truly makes seeing Tems a valuable experience. Hopefully, headlining the June event will inspire emerging artists, which is the goal of the festival.

xoxo
Tracey Haagsma

please note we do not own the rights to any of these photos.

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!