Hotel Openings

🍴 Blaine McGowan's new American bistro, Ella, opens in Dallas on Tuesday, June 17, in the former Chido Taco Lounge location. The restaurant features a modern, female-forward design with 12-foot chandeliers and a red tiled bar. Julian Shaffer leads the beverage program, while Kyle Farr, ex-Sachet chef, offers dishes like shrimp dumplings and steak tartare. Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 p.m., with Customs Speakeasy offering craft cocktails 5 p.m. to midnight.

🍕 Base Face Pizza, founded by ex-jazz musician Tim Thornton, opens its Richmond site at 112 Kew Road on Tuesday, June 17th. Originating from a lockdown pizza oven idea in 2020, Base Face expanded from Hammersmith in June 2021 to Barnes in January 2023, then Putney by February 2024. The new Richmond location seats 30 diners plus 8 outdoor, offering 12 pizzas in 12-inch and 18-inch sizes. Enjoy 50% off pizzas from June 17th to 22nd with reservations.

🌼 Lucia opened on May 28 in Los Angeles' Fairfax District, taking over the former Black Star Burger location. Hospitality entrepreneur Sam Jordan launched this 118-seat Caribbean-inspired restaurant. Chef Adrian Forte, a "Top Chef Canada" semifinalist from Jamaica, leads the kitchen. The menu creatively reimagines Caribbean dishes, while the bar offers 15 cocktails and mocktails emphasizing Caribbean rums. The space, designed by Alexis Readinger, captures an island vibe. Beverage director Melina Meza's standout creations include the Okra Martini and Oxtail Old Fashioned.

🏠 Mason & Fifth, a London-based hospitality brand, launches on June 16th in Westbourne Park. From June 16-21, Planet Good Earth joins with a pop-up for community planting workshops. Highlights include a Jazz Matinee led by Sam Michnik, a 20th anniversary Book Slam with the Royal Society of Literature, and a monthly School of Dark. Exclusive screenings occur year-round. Studios start at £170. Co-founder Ben Prevezer aims to create a cultural destination in West London.

🏨 Four Seasons, collaborating with Strategic Property Partners, plans a luxury hotel and residences in Charleston, South Carolina, by 2028. The development will feature 139 guest rooms and 36 branded residences in the historic district. Facilities include four restaurants, an outdoor pool, a spa, and 7,000 square feet of event space. Residences, ranging from 2,000 to 3,700 square feet, start at $5 million, offering personalized living and access to hotel amenities.

🏠 Canada, 2025: Density Group Limited has announced the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Muskoka, featuring 32 waterfront homes on a private island. Homes range from four to eight bedrooms, with private showings starting this summer. Designed by Studio Caban and Norm Architects, amenities include a spa, sports facilities, and a homeowner club accessible by chauffeured boat. Onsite production includes fresh herbs, eggs, and honey. Sarah Khalifa of Marriott International supports the project.

🍳 Boxcar Bar & Grill in Marylebone relaunches as Boxcar Fire & Wine on June 17th, led by new Head Chef Zisis Gkalmpenis from Greece. The restaurant focuses on fire-led cooking with dishes like Iberico pork presa and Galician beef rib. The wine list features small-scale, sustainable producers, including their own-label rosé, Tinted Glasses. Managed by Ankur Wishart and Barry Hirst, Fire & Wine offers a warm setting with natural wood textures and an open kitchen. Open Tuesday to Sunday.

🏖 Lough Erne Resort, set within 600 acres of Fermanagh Lakelands, invites visitors to savor summer through curated experiences designed for relaxation. Starting from £175 per night, the "Move To Our Rhythm" package includes a two-night stay and activities like exploring Marble Arch Caves. The "Cruise Through Summer" offers a one-hour boat cruise from £199 per person. Guests can also opt for self-catering lodges, offering freedom to explore local attractions like Enniskillen Castle and Florence Court House.

🍝 Chef Matt Wilden will open his new restaurant, Perro, in Kings Heath, Birmingham, in late June 2025. Perro offers a cozy 12-seat space, serving Mexican-influenced small plates and cocktails by Katie Rouse of Couch. By day, it features deli sandwiches and Vietnamese iced coffee, transforming at night into a low-lit dining spot. Perro will host creative events, fostering a community spirit. Fridays and Saturdays feature late-night cocktails and snacks. Follow @perro.bhx for updates.

🍴 In July 2025, HUŎ will open in Belsize Village, London, expanding from their 2021 Chelsea debut. Restaurateurs Graham Rebak and Adam Wilkie bring Asian cuisine to NW3. Head Chef Yam Gurung's menu features Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes, with sharing plates like Thai Lobster Crackers and Szechuan Chilli Prawns. Designed by Jonathan Clark Architects, the space accommodates 110 guests across a main dining area, bar, private room, and terrace. The restaurant features Asian art and vibrant decor.