Sicilian Kiss: Escaping to the pearl of the Ionian Sea October 6, 2020 The weekend The criteria for a weekend away have changed in recent months. On top of the usual considerations — weather, journey time, food, culture — travellers must now think about a host of Covid factors. How successfully is a country suppressing infections? Are there any entry requirements that might catch out visitors at the [...]
High rents force three in four hospitality businesses to consider restructure or insolvency October 5, 2020 73% of London-based hospitality and leisure operators are considering a restructure or insolvency as a result of the economic impact of the ongoing pandemic. Advisory firm Cedar Dean, which surveyed 230 hospitality and leisure businesses with around 2,000 venues across the UK, found that rental obligations are currently the most pressing issue. 86% of London-based [...]
The Friday Interview: Dalston’s 40FT brewery thrives over lockdown summer October 2, 2020 City A.M. Deputy Editor Andy Silvester speaks to Steve Ryan – one of four beer-lovers who founded 40FT Brewery in Dalston and have guided the east London favourite through a tough summer Surrounded by shipping containers in Dalston, Steve Ryan tells me that he had an early warning of Britain’s coming lockdown back in March. [...]
Single malt enthusiasts gather for virtual London Whisky Show October 2, 2020 2020 has seen many changes in our lives, and it’s a similar story at this year’s annual London Whisky Show. The biggest show in the UK will be moving online, with ‘attendees’ given access to an online platform that will allow them to visit exhibitor stands to speak directly to brands as well as a [...]
Coffee expert Martin Hudak spills the beans on the future of caffeinated liqueurs October 1, 2020 This week saw International Coffee Day – a celebration of all things caffeinated. We sat down with Martin Hudak, a global coffee expert and ambassador for coffee experts Mr Black Roasters and Distillers. Martin started his career in London at the American Bar at the Savoy, and hasn’t looked back. Tell us about you and [...]
London Cocktail Week: “Every cocktail counts” in battle to save bars September 29, 2020 London Cocktail Week is back for 2020 – and this year, organisers have extended the jamboree to the entire month of October. Starting Thursday, 250 hand-picked cocktail venues across the capital will be serving specially created £6 cocktails to festival-goers. Bars including The Artesian at The Langham, 69 Colebrook Row, the award-winning Lyaness at Sea [...]
London Cocktail Week: The can’t miss events this October September 29, 2020 London Cocktail Week, which in this mad year is extended to the whole month of October, will see more than 200 of the capital’s best bars open up their doors to discerning drinkers. But it’s not just the £6 cocktails worth heading out for – a host of other experiences are on offer. City A.M. [...]
Home comforts: Road trippin’ the west of England September 29, 2020 Think “road trip” and you might think crisscrossing the US on Route 66, or driving through south America. Well, in this topsy-turvy year, both of those are off the cards – but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your kicks closer to home. If anything, the new staycation trend has encouraged some of us to [...]
London’s best new restaurant openings, from London Fields to Notting Hill September 29, 2020 There’s no doubt it’s a challenging time for London’s hospitality industry, with ever more draconian and sudden regulations forcing bar owners and restaurateurs to think on their feet. But that hasn’t stopped a host of new eateries opening across the capital in recent weeks – and here’s three of the best. Rondo When the brains [...]
City’s COYA takes brunch to a whole new level September 28, 2020 City hotspot COYA is hoping to introduce some more life to weekends in the Square Mile with a new brunch offering – with three hours of free-flowing Veuve Clicquot the heart of the party. The ‘Warrior Brunch’ sees guests treated to ceviches, canapes, and a host of hearty mains alongside what can only be described [...]