Megan Carley

🛀 Solent Hotel and Spa in Fareham, part of Daniel Thwaites, completed a six-figure renovation of its wellness space in three months. The refurbishment includes a new pool hall, salt sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and storm shower with a design inspired by the coastal location. New wellness facilities aim to improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and respiratory health. Memberships for 2025 start at £46 per month, with a 15% discount on food and drink at FYR Restaurant in January and February, excluding February 14th and 15th. Nathan Chart and Gemma Barratt emphasize the inclusive and high-quality environment created for relaxation and wellness.

🎉 Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey celebrated a record-breaking Christmas in 2024 with a 57% increase in Christmas Eve & Boxing Day dining attendance. Hotel bookings jumped 43% with room occupancy and 45% more guests under the Mistletoe and Holly packages. Christmas parties popularity rose by 10%, while New Year's Eve attendance skyrocketed 146%, offering events like a black tie gala and a five-course menu at The Fox dining rooms. Managing Director Tej Walia credits the team's hard work for the festive success.

🎉 Rick Stein Restaurants celebrate 50 years since the Seafood Restaurant's 1975 opening in Padstow. From February 6-9, 2025, select restaurants, including the original Padstow location, offer a "Rolled Back & Retro Menu" with 1975 prices at lunch—shellfish soup for 50p, grilled lobster at £2.80. Reservations open January 24, 10am, limited slots. Nominate someone for a special lunch at one of 25 tables set aside for community members. 📅🍽️

🍔 Julian Victoria and Jacob Van Nieuwkoop, creators of KURO Coffee and Bakery, will open KURO Bagels in London's Notting Hill in late January 2025. The menu features artisan bagels with seasonal, sustainable ingredients, ready-made options like The Smoked Salmon, and custom choices with a variety of flavours. KURO Coffee opened in 2021 and KURO Bakery in 2022; both are known for Japanese-inspired offerings. KURO Bagels will have a 15-seat terrace and offer delivery via Deliveroo.

🏠 London Marriott Hotel County Hall opened 35 new rooms and suites on 1 January 2025, with views of Big Ben and the London Eye. The Big Ben Balcony Suite and South Bank Balcony Suite are priced from £900/night, Balcony Rooms from £460/night, and Loft Rooms from £300/night, all including breakfast. The hotel's Club facilities also reopened on 1 January 2025, featuring a Technogym-equipped gym open 24/7 and a 25-metre indoor pool with hours 6am-9pm.