It’s been another year of highs and lows for the hospitality industry. As always, some establishments have continued to stand the test of time. Others have basked in the warm glow of ‘their moment’. While a handful has sadly closed their doors, stumbled upon hard times, or fallen into disrepute. Here’s my take on all the hospitality highs and lows in 2024. The winners, along with some that sadly, didn’t fare so well.
HOSPITALITY HIGHS AND LOWS IN 2024
HIGH: SKOF
My review of hospitality highs and lows in 2024 starts with a huge success. Simon Rogan’s right-hand man and Roux scholarship alumni Tom Barnes branched out on his own in 2024. And it seems he has the same Midas touch as his associates. Skof in Manchester quickly became the place to eat last year. There were rave reviews from critics and diners alike. An ‘unpretentious yet ambitious dining experience’, Skof was recognised in the Michelin Guide just three months after opening and is tipped to become the second restaurant in Manchester to receive a Michelin Star. The restaurant serves 12-course or 16-course tasting menus for £120 or £165 in the evenings. There is also a £50 lunch option. All of which are guided by seasonality, locality, and the best possible produce. Well worth a visit.
Read Michelin’s thoughts here: https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/greater-manchester/manchester/restaurant/skof
LOW: MANCHESTER
Despite being the host city for this year’s Michelin Awards, prompting a flurry of excitement that another star may be heading to the city, Manchester was snubbed again when it came to handing out the accolades. Many had believed that Adam Reid at The French would be awarded a star in this year’s ceremony. But it seemed that Michelin simply wanted a host city rather than it being a hint of things to come. Could things change this year with Skof and Tom Barnes?
HIGH: OPHEIM
Chef Aktar Islam was one of a handful of restaurants to be upgraded to two Michelin Star status in 2024, which is seen as a considerable step up. According to Michelin, ‘Two stars elevate your restaurant to be one of the best in the world’. Opheim is widely regarded as one of the best Indian dining experiences in the UK and continues to go from strength to strength. And perhaps the most honourable, with chef Aktar stating that he won’t hike prices in light of his accolade – ‘accessibility is key’ he said.
LOW: LA GAVROCHE
When we look at the hospitality highs and lows in 2024, this one is a culinary tragedy. Whatever the reasons behind the closure, it’s a sad day for the hospitality industry when an iconic stalwart of the industry, like this. closes its doors. In 2024, Michel Roux announced that he would close the restaurant. It has been a mainstay of the UK’s hospitality industry since 1967. His reasons are honourable – to “make time for a better work/life balance, so I can spend more time with my family and on my other business ventures”. A huge loss to the UK, nonetheless.
HIGH: NORTHCOTE
This northern institute had to be worth mentioning. Especially after it was this year named TripAdvisor’s Best Fine Dining restaurant in the UK and THIRD IN THE WORLD, prompting a string of new visits and reviews. Northcote has held a Michelin Star for over 20 years. Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s innovative and nostalgic menus have ensured it remains a dining destination. With a serious wine list and a string of wine-related accolades to boot. The warm Northern hospitality and a little bit of magic makes this place so special.
Read the Daily Mail’s latest review here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-14149567/Tripadvisor-best-restaurant-northcote-michelin-review.html
LOW: RAFT
According to the Manchester Evening News – “Just months after opening in the former SakkuSamba spot on Bridge Street in Spinningfields, visitors to the swanky, high-end restaurant were surprised to turn up for their bookings to find the doors had been locked shut with a letter from a bailiff on the door.”
A definite low for the Spinningfields area, which has struggled to find a long-term fixture for the former Artisan spot. SakkuSamba has since shared that it’s coming back to Manchester, so watch this space.
HIGH: VICTORIA BATHS
Okay, okay – so technically this happened in 2023 (right at the finishing post), but I just had to mention that Chanel chose this iconic venue for its glamorous after-show party when it transformed a quiet street in the Northern Quarter into a meeting place for fashion’s elite. And of course, I am now working with the venue to maximise its revenue through events so definitely one to watch for 2025. It could be the best year yet for Victoria Baths.
LOW: THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE
It’s no secret that it has been a tough five years for UK hospitality companies with record closures and reports of those falling into financial difficulties remaining historically high. https://www.buchlerphillips.com/buchler-phillips-hospitality-index-uk-hospitality-collapses-remain-high-despite-q3-breather
Last year we faced astronomical cost of living costs. And the late-Autumn budget presents a new range of challenges although the relief of business rates is a positive. There are reasons to be positive, however. Lower levels of business rates for hospitality businesses in the long term from 2026-7, as recommended by UKHospitality, for one. And the fact that so many have survived the wave of challenges thrown at us for another.
The key as always is to find what makes your business unique and play to strengths, a consultant such as myself can help you to do that.
HIGH: THE MUNICIPAL HOTEL, LIVERPOOL
Although Liverpool has its fair share of swanky hotels and celebrity hangouts, it is yet to have a hotel with AA five-star status. The Municipal is to be the property to change that. The former home of the City Council on Dale Street was transformed into one of Liverpool’s fanciest hotels to date and opened its doors just in time for the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2023. https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpool-international-city-should-five-29612371
LOW: THE GRAUCHO CLUB
Once a celebrity hot spot, now notorious for all the wrong reasons. This iconic London night spot has had its license suspended. With one man arrested and only speculation as to what has forced the venue to close its doors in late December. Keira Knightly, Liam Gallagher, Ant and Dec, Kate Moss, and Nigella Lawson are just some of the names to have been spotted at the Groucho in days gone by.
https://news.sky.com/story/the-rise-and-fall-of-celebrity-hotspot-the-groucho-club-13262292
HIGH: THE SAVOY
The Savoy cemented its status as one of the UK’s very best hotels a long time ago, and it has never wavered. It was this year one of only a small number of properties to be awarded THREE Michelin Keys. The highest accolade available to a property in the organisation’s new rating system for hotels. And celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey loves it so much that not only does he have a restaurant there, but he also took his wife for their anniversary meal! Clearly, he felt there was no need to look elsewhere.
HIGH: GLENEAGLES
Another long-standing establishment that remains at the pinnacle of the industry. This year it caught the eye of The Times’ listings of the best places to stay in the UK which is widely followed by discerning high net worth individuals in search of hotel expertise. Gleneagles was named overall winner, Scotland hotel of the year and countryside hotel of the year.
https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/best-places-to-stay-in-the-uk-2024-vz5nq7x0q
HIGH: CAPESTHORNE HALL
So, we finished on three highs. What can I say? I’m an eternal optimist. Yet, I just had to mention this breathtaking Cheshire property which has just announced a festive coup for 2025. It is set to be the Northern venue for an incredible, enchanting Lapland experience which this year took place at Ascot and was adored by celebrities. LaplandManchester will be a magical experience that will open in time for Christmas 2025 at Capesthorne Hall.
I have to say I’m not surprised, as venues go it does have more than a few strands of magic to its captivating bow. Here is an Asian wedding that we organised at Capesthorne Hall, perfectly showcasing the venue’s imposing regal, country park aesthetic.
Thanks for sharing my review of the top Hospitality Highs and Lows in 2024. Fingers crossed that 2025 brings great things for the sector.