Latest news with #VirginHotel
Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Virgin Hotel London-Shoreditch review: Branson's bold new pad with a rooftop pool
Number 45 Curtain Road seems to have more lives than the proverbial cat. In the past decade alone it has been the Curtain boutique hotel, then the Mondrian. Now it's Richard Branson's first London hotel, set in a vibey faux-industrial Shoreditch space that wouldn't look out of place in New York's Meatpacking District, with its red brick and Crittall window exterior. Inside, it has had the Virgin treatment: a red carpet entrance in the lobby, Smeg fridges the colour of lipstick and terracotta-toned headboards in the rooms. The social spaces channel the playfulness of the Virgin brand very nicely. Downstairs is the fun Hidden Grooves, a listening bar with plenty of vinyl; on the roof is the London outpost of the Ibiza beach club Blue Marlin and a puny, poseur-y pool. Staff are welcoming, helpful and trendy, ready to dole out intel about the best neighbourhood spots. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Score 8/10'Chambers', as they are known in Virgin speak, all come with postbox-red doors and brass knockers. There are 120 of them, ranging from chamber kings, the smallest rooms at a compact 22 sq m, to the so-called Sir Richard's penthouse flat, the blockbuster option with entertainment space that's a mainstay in all Virgin hotels. In the middle are grand chambers and 13 other suites, some of which occupy the building's corners and therefore have a lovely street aspect. The sixth-floor rooms come with generous terraces for people-watching in this trendiest of postcodes. All rooms have the signature Virgin lounge bed, inspired by Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class plane seats, with a fabric nook at each corner so guests can prop themselves up, plus homely additions such as hand-woven rugs from the Eve Branson Foundation, which supports female Moroccan artisans. Bathrooms in all categories have luxurious steam showers and stylish all-white design; only the suites have a roll-top bath in the bedroom. The one-bedroom suites come with sofa beds for children but, while smaller guests are welcomed, the vibe is firmly adult. Score 7/10Hidden Grooves is part mid-century listening bar — guests can play their own records on the two Technics turntables — and part Virgin memorabilia shrine (spot the picture of a young Branson at a Virgin Megastore). It's a handsome space. The bar counter is snazzy green terrazzo and the bar stools are red velvet. Two giant wooden Westminster speakers are powerful enough to broadcast to actual Westminster, a few miles down the road. DJs — playing vinyl only — soundtrack the evenings, while guests order signature rosé Laurent-Perrier champagne (naturally) or cocktails inspired by bands that signed to the original Virgin records. A punk punch, inspired by the Sex Pistols' God Save the Queen, is a take on a spicy margarita (cocktails from £15). It's delicious small plates here only, ranging from the Korean fried cauliflower to sloppy sliders and tuna tartare, but order enough and you'll feel you've had a good feed. The ostentatious Blue Marlin, a members' club, takes over the seventh-floor restaurant and fairy-lit terrace (cocktails from £14). The rooftop is also where breakfast basics are served, if included in your rate: there's a small menu including a full English, avocado on toast and granola and yoghurt. If the sun's shining, this place overlooking the City's skyscrapers feels more like San Antonio than Shoreditch, particularly if you splash about in the 32C pool. Score 7/10Blue Marlin also runs the basement club space, although there's a separate entrance on nearby Scrutton Street and, as it's an external operation, guests don't automatically get access. Also underground is a decently sized, funky green-and-black-striped gym with cardio equipment and weights plus three treatment rooms — both are available to Blue Marlin members and guests. In the hipster triangle between Shoreditch High Street, Old Street and Liverpool Street. The bars and clubs of Great Eastern Street are on your doorstep, and it's a ten-minute walk to Shoreditch High Street and Liverpool Street stations. Don't stay here if you want peace and quiet. • Room-only doubles from £300• Restaurant small plates from £4• Accessible Y• Family-friendly N• Dog-friendly Y Cathy Adams was a guest of Virgin Hotels London Shoreditch (
Forbes
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
10 Summer Wines Worth Sipping in the Sun
getty National Wine Day might be in the rearview along with Memorial Day Weekend, but the days of sipping summer wines have just begun. Though stereotypes tend to flaunt summer as white wine and rosé season, Jesse Carr, director of food and beverage at Virgin Hotel New Orleans sets the record straight: 'Summer is a great time to indulge in a wide range of wines.' For example, if you're heading to a barbeque, bubbles and chillable reds are perfect for cutting through the fatty meats. 'Look for high acid options like Cava, Cremant, or tank-fermented French sparkling wines,' says Carr. For reds, he generally suggests Jura reds, red pét-nats, and Beaujolais as they shine when slightly chilled. Of course, white wines have their place at the table this summer, including homegrown labels as well as emerging international varieties within the U.S. market like mineral-forward Txakolina from northwest Spain or Italian Vermentino, the latter of which Diego Deleon of Kaori Miami appreciates as a poolside wine — skipping bubbles for Vermentino's 'crisp and thirst-quenching' characteristics. 'It's refreshing without being too serious,' he says. Below, discover a mix of personal favorites and industry expert recommendations for the ultimate summer wines to stock up on. If you're looking for a light wine with some structure, this skin contact wine from The Vice is it. While it's refreshing on its own, Deleon suggests pairing skin contact wine with anything grilled. 'The oxidative, nutty notes in a good orange wine complement the deep umami and char of grilled meats and vegetables beautifully,' he explains. 'They have just enough grip and complexity to hold their own without overpowering the dish.' I often find Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc to be overly green or overly oaked, but Whitehall Lane Winery pleasantly proved otherwise. Their 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is simultaneously crisp and round to create a refreshing yet complex sip. Savor a pre-dinner glass to appreciate the layer of lemongrass, yellow apples and white peach or pair it with a soy-glazed chili salmon to tame down the heat. Early Mountain's Intention is pure sunshine in a bottle. The respective 52- to 48-percent blend of Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc results in a structured white wine with tropical notes flanked by zippy acidity. It's an optimal complement to garden kebabs on the grill with a lemon vinaigrette or a shrimp scampi. For a 'pungent yet aromatic' presentation of orange wine, Tamra Presley Weiss, the Wine Director of Coco Pazzo in Chicago, recommends this dry, skin-contact moscato. 'It's delicious well-chilled on its own as an aperitif and pairs with virtually any hors d'oeuvres,' says Weiss. Don't be alarmed if it looks cloudy, she adds: it's just an indicator that it's a natural wine and that it will offer more weight and flavor. As an enduring fan of Vermentino, Italy's light-bodied, dry white wine that's made for warm weather, I'm enjoying its increasingly prolific appearance on stateside menus alongside the usual suspects of Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. This bottle is everything a Vermentino should be; herbal yet laced with floral undertones and decidedly fresh on the finish. It's a perfect pairing for summer charcuterie boards around the pool. Crisp, refreshing and slightly effervescent, Spain's Txakolina is a sleeper for fans of Portugal's Vinho Verde. 'It's got that light spritz and coastal salinity that makes it perfect for patio weather or a barbecue,' shares Kai Wilson, bar manager for Mercat a la Planxa. This particular bottle from Ameztoi, according to Wilson, is one that 'really defines traditional Getarian-style Txakolina' with its 'naturally low alcohol, super crisp' sip. Wilson recommends it as a summer go-to for seafood—raw or cooked—hard cheese, and white meats. When it comes to chillable reds, Italy really stands out with some impressive examples from central- to island wine regions — Capezzana's Barco Reale di Carmignano among them. This Sangiovese-dominant red blend (with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Cabernet Franc) makes an ultimate chiller due to its palate of juicy red berries and bright acidity. Its delicate notes deserve a simple pairing to let the wine really shine like prosciutto or lightly seasoned grilled chicken. Lush and juicy, Pablo Braida, the first master sommelier from Argentina, likes to serve this Malbec from the southern Uco Valley of Mendoza with some chill. 'Malbec is full of ripe red and black fruits—plums, dark cherries and wild berries. The bouquet is enhanced with notes of fresh violets, liquorice and hints of black pepper and sweet baking spices,' shares Braida, who adds that the soft and easy drinking wine is 'a great wine for summer grilling—burgers, red meat in general, and even grilled fish.' Produced from the Cabernet Cortis grape, a dark, thick-skinned grape most comparable to Cabernet Sauvignon (it is a natural crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and wild varietals Aestivalis & Rupestris), this natural wine is full of cassis and fig jam. The unique palate benefits from some chill to blend its naturally herbal and earthy notes with the wild fruit. Enjoy with bruschetta or a straightforward spaghetti pomodoro. It's no secret that southern France is a powerhouse of the world's best rosé (which have become the most popular summer wines) and this classic blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault upholds the prestige. Light-bodied but still layered, Hecht & Bannier Bandol Rosé offers distinct citrus notes of red grapefruit and blood orange combined with apricot jam. The mid-palate is round but the finish is dry and crisp so it's a versatile pairing with summer foods from salads brightened with fruit to wood-oven pizza.
Travel Weekly
13-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
As it approaches its four-year cruising anniversary, Virgin Voyages has goals
Teri West NEW YORK -- Debuting its first ship to homeport in the Northeastern U.S. may be Virgin Voyages' biggest undertaking this year, but it's far from its only goal as the cruise line approaches its fourth anniversary. As Virgin Voyages grows -- its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady, will debut in New York in September -- and works to gain customer loyalty, it is eager to make each ship distinct, tempting customers to try a new one to access different cuisine and entertainment. And through partnerships with travel advisors and its own advertising, Virgin Voyages aims to address a misconception: That its product is not just for young adults eager to party but one that can be enjoyed by adults of all ages. Last month, CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, COO Michelle Bentubo and chief marketing officer Nathan Rosenberg engaged with travel advisors at the Virgin Hotel in midtown Manhattan, talking with them about the Brilliant Lady's upcoming debut. There were murmurs of agreement from agents in the room when Saverimuttu asked whether their clients believe Virgin is a "party cruise line." It's something a recently launched ad campaign intends to contradict, by featuring adults of all generations on Virgin enjoying activities from running to pasta-making classes. "We've been trying to support you all with better marketing messages ... to help you tell the story, because the reality is Virgin Voyages is for anybody traveling without kids," Saverimuttu told the advisors. "That's it." Keeping onboard concepts fresh One of Virgin's biggest competitive assets is its dining options, and it knows that means it needs to keep the concepts fresh. Saverimuttu said that customers were "repeating a lot. They're coming back far faster than we ever expected them to, which is a good thing, but it's a challenge for us that we have to keep evolving the product." He hinted at new menus underway, and that week, the brand announced that Brilliant Lady would debut a Spanish-inspired restaurant, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle. Scarlet Lady, by comparison, has a Razzle Dazzle restaurant with Chinese cuisine called Lucky Lotus. "What are the differentiators we can put on each of the ships, that you're only going to get this experience when you go on that vessel?" Bentubo said in explaining the philosophy. On the entertainment side, for example, the offerings on the Brilliant will be unique, she said, with seven original productions. Other features Virgin has underway aim to simplify and add incentives to the booking and arrival process. A pre- and post-cruise package involving the New York Virgin Hotel is in the works for Brilliant Lady-bound guests. A new Brilliant Bounty incentive will give advisors $200 per new Brilliant Lady customer booked for the next two months. That money can be used any way an agent chooses, including handing it directly to the customer should they need an extra push to convince them the price is right. And the company is redoing its Circle program for group bookings, which Saverimuttu conceded was too complex. "The intent for us was to create a program that was very flexible, that was not complicated, but unfortunately I think we have failed the second half," he said. "We have too much flexibility, so the whole thing's become a mess." Virgin Voyages' positive booking trends Virgin said that as of the end of its first quarter, March 31, it wasn't feeling the effects of global sentiment about U.S. policies, which have prompted some foreign travelers to avoid visits to the U.S. "We have not seen a slowdown from our Canadian market," Bentubo said, adding that Canadian revenue was up 45% and bookings grew by 36% in Q1. The one trend the company was watching was a move to closer-in bookings, she said. And Virgin is aware that customers may be increasingly cautious about discretionary spending, Bentubo said. "We will have to remain focused on making sure that we are providing the value, so that when somebody chooses to spend that money, and they want to spend it wisely, that they're getting the most for their dollar," Bentubo said. "And that is why I think that we've not experienced [a slowdown]. People are booking us, and our revenue has been phenomenal over the last three months ... because we offer a value experience."
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Daily Mail
I'm a travel editor - and these are the items I ALWAYS pack in my suitcase
I never used to be the best packer - just the thought of deciding what to include in my luggage would send me up in a rash. But, as deputy travel editor of MailOnline, I'm constantly jet-setting around the globe. In the last month alone, I've stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal in Copenhagen, Pikes Ibiza, Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa in Salcombe, Devon, and the new Virgin Hotel in Shoreditch. And later this year, I'll be heading to Switzerland twice - for Eurovision next week and the Women's World Cup in July - as well as Croatia, Amsterdam, Italy and the Caribbean. This globetrotting lifestyle has meant I've had no choice but to streamline my suitcase and get the packing list down to a tee. Below, I've included all the essentials I take on every trip. The list includes multiple space-saving gadgets that double up as two items and Amazon products I use to ensure a good sleep on long-haul and early morning flights. You're definitely going to want to take a leaf out of my luggage next time you holiday... INSFIT 17-Pack Silicone Travel Bottles Set This travel bottle set has been an absolute gamechanger for me when it comes to travelling with hand luggage only. The TSA-approved clear case comes with 17 containers, ranging in size, that you can decant all your lotions and potions in to using the included funnel. It even comes with a brush for cleaning, as well as waterproof sticker labels so you don't mix up your shampoo with your moisturiser! £9.99 Shop OGIO RISE Backpack I always make sure I bring a backpack with me on holiday in case of any jam-packed day trips. This one from OGIO is the perfect size and has so many compartments, including elasticated ones on the side, for my water bottle and umbrella (just in case!), and a hidden zip pocket at the front for the important stuff. There's also a section specifically for your laptop, and enough space to fit a change of clothes and shoes. £89 Shop STACKERS Cosmetic and Jewellery Bag I've always been one of those people with a million different bags and boxes within their suitcase - a jewellery box, a makeup bag, a toiletries bag, the list goes on... But this nifty 2-in-1 bag from STACKERS has fixed all that. It fits all my makeup in and has a jewellery box attached at the bottom - which also keeps all my necklaces in place and stops them tangling. £55 Shop MyHalos 100% Blackout Sleep Mask I bought this blackout eye mask for a long-haul flight originally, and it's so good I use it in bed every night now, and my sleep has got so much better. Designed to prevent pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is perfect for sensitive eyes or those with lash extensions. Made from premium memory foam and soft, breathable material, it offers superior comfort and light-blocking ability. £9.99 Shop Philips 3000 Series Handheld Steamer I hate ironing and I'm not a neat packer in the slightest - so my life was changed once I discovered steamers. This one from Philips is the perfect size for packing in a suitcase and folds up so small so really doesn't take up much room. £31.99 Shop Universal Travel Adapter A travel adapter is an absolute must if you're going abroad, and I always leave this one in my suitcase so I never forget to pack it. It fits any plug sockets around the world, and also has three USB ports, as well as a slot for USB-C cables, so you can charge five different devices at the same time. £11.99 Shop DOCK & BAY Quick Dry Beach Towel One of my least favourite things about the beach has always been how wet and sandy the hotel towels end up getting. But now I pack my own beach towel from DOCK & BAY for holidays. It's quick-drying, never gets sandy and also comes in a little pouch so doesn't take up much room in the suitcase. I love this tropical print too! £21-50 Shop mdlondon BLOW Hair Dryer While this hair dryer may be expensive, it's so worth it to pack in your suitcase rather than having to rely on the rubbish hotel ones you get. It's not specifically made for travel, but it's so small and lightweight at 360g, and is just as powerful as most on the market. It's also really quiet! £199 Shop JBL Charge 5 A Bluetooth speaker is always an essential for me on holiday, as is a portable charger - especially when I'm using my phone to take so many videos and pictures. And, incredibly, this gadget from JBL is both - a speaker, doubling up as a 7,500mAh power bank. It's not the fastest at charging phones, but the sound from the speaker is incredible - what you'd expect from JBL. £119.99 Shop UGREEN Bluetooth Adapter The free headphones given out on planes are nearly always worse quality than my Airpods. But with no Bluetooth capabilities, there's no way of using them to watch a movie on long-haul flights. This Bluetooth transmitter has fixed that and simply plugs into the AUX port. What's even better is it connects to two devices at the same time, so when my partner and I want to watch the same film together on a flight, we no longer have to do it by pressing play at exactly the same time! £12.99 Shop Tile Mate by Life360 Throughout my life I've been told I'd 'lose my head if it weren't screwed on', and have been known to leave my suitcase on the train, my passport on the plane and my purse on the bar. I really would be lost without tile Mates, which I've attached to my keys and added one to my suitcase. The Bluetooth trackers are the ideal solution for scatterbrains, and also for safety if you're solo travelling, so friends and family can know your whereabouts. £27.99 Shop trtl Travel Pillow I was so skeptical about trtl pillows for years, having seen the pictures of people looking a bit silly using them on planes. But I'm officially a convert - they're the comfiest thing, and, together with my eye mask, I can finally sleep on the plane and don't even need a window seat. £45.99 Shop Portable Foot Hammock At 5"1, I have very little legs, and struggle to reach the footrest on planes, let alone the floor. This portable foot hammock hangs from the tray table in front, and makes it so much easier to get comfy - even in economy. It also comes in a little bag, which fits easily into any suitcase or backpack. £4.99 Shop YETI 18oz (532ml) Bottle I take a water bottle wherever I'm going, as it means I don't have to keep asking the crew for another tiny cup of water on a flight. This one from YETI keeps my water cold all day - especially when I add some ice to it when I leave the house. £30 Shop MAC IN A SAC Synergy Jacket The problem with travelling from cold and miserable UK to hot and sunny destinations is needing to pack a bulky coat in your suitcase and never take it out once you're at the hotel. But Mac in a Sac has the answer - with insulated jackets that pack away into a tiny bag. I have this Synergy jacket in ivory, and it's so warm and so easy to pack away. £59.99 Shop Klearlook 4 in 1 Adjustable Phone Stand The worst thing about short-haul flights is the lack of screen - and having to hold your phone for an entire movie can be frustrating. Thankfully, this phone stand - which works with all phones - can mount onto luggage handles or tray tables with a clamp. It also easily rotates 360 degrees, so I use it to make hands-free video calls too when I'm waiting for my flight in the airport. £9.99 Shop Loop Switch 2 Earplugs are a must to get some sleep on the plane - and Loop Switch 2 are perfect for wearing constantly, with three different volume modes. It means I can use them to nap on the flight, and also to wear in the clubs in Ibiza to stop myself getting tinnitus. The earplugs have just come out in a gorgeous new McClaren Papaya colour (pictured), having partnered with the racing brand. £59.95 Shop
