With so many extraordinary bars and restaurants opening on all over the globe from London to Mexico City the industry is on fire right now. It’s not just all things new but teams doing takeovers, awards shining the spotlight, bucket-list bar visits (we’re looking at you Library By The Sea) and iconic hotspots that are getting a new lease of life.
Anna Sebastian, Hospitality Consultant & Founder of Celebrate Her
I’m really excited about Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. Michele Mariotti and the team have just released a new menu called The Rose Compendium in the American Bar. Gleneagles is a stunning hotel, known as the Glorious Playground with so many activities from Padel to Falconry it’s the perfect summer destination.
Sandrae Lawrence, Journalist & Co-Owner of The Cocktail Lovers
I can’t WAIT to visit the team from Alquimico in Cartagena this spring. It’s been on my wish list for ages!
David Ellis, Restaurant Critic at London Evening Standard
I'm most excited for Tatar Bunar. I'm intrigued to explore Ukrainian food, as I've only had a little exposure to it so far. Otherwise, I hope Jeremy King does justice to Simpson's in the Strand (and that it does indeed open this year...)
www.instagram.com/tatarbunar.london
Alex Chatwin, Co-Owner of LX-PR
It’s really hard to say just one thing as we’re luckily so spoilt for choice in this industry, however in London I am very excited about the launch of Câv in Bethan Green by Chris Tanner and Edwin Frost, which will be an all-day neighbourhood bar with a kitchen residency program.
Slightly further afield I’m headed to Mexico soon and can’t wait to visit Maura & Alex Lawrence-Millia’s new bars Outline and Cafe Arixi, as well as returning to Megs Miller’s Salon de Agave which is always so eye-opening and educational, and of course finally making it to Handshake Speakeasy which is currently No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars. As I said, spoilt for choice!
www.instagram.com/outline_cdmx
Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne, Co-owners of The Pinnacle Guide
We’re finally heading to Grand Cayman and are so excited to visit Library By The Sea. Their cocktails look next level and it’s housed in paradise. What’s not to love.
We’ve not been yet but Fura In Singapore recently received 2 PINS from The Pinnacle Guide. They are truly pushing boundaries in terms of ingredients and process and we can’t wait to get out there and experience it ourselves. Closer to home it’s Wildflowers in Pimlico. Recently opened by a stellar partnership of chef and interior stylist and the building, the ethos and the hospitality all look incredible.
Dawn Davies, Head Buyer for The Whisky Exchange
So my favourite at the moment is 10 Cases. It’s a combination of good food, great wine list that keeps evolving. For me it is also about the staff and that they make you feel so welcome. In a time when times are challenging like this that extra level of service makes all the difference in my decision making process.
Lateef Okunnu, Food & Drink Photographer
My favourite spot of 2025 is Agora in London. The staff, the food, cocktails and the overall vibes… nothing gets a 10/10 quite like Agora.
