Latest news with #NoMad
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This fancy London bar was just crowned the best in the world
We've got bars on the brain at the moment and it seems like we're not the only ones. Just days after Time Out named London's Best Bar for 2025, Side Hustle at the NoMad London has been honoured with the title of 'Best International Hotel Bar' at the 19th annual Spirited Awards. Covent Garden's Side Hustle is a favourite with us too. 'While you might find more extensive collections of tequila and mezcal elsewhere, few agave-focused bars can match the sophistication of this elegant Latin American-themed spot in the Grade II-listed former Police Station that now houses the NoMad hotel,' reads the Time Out review. 'There's an old-school gentleman's club kind of grandeur to this low-lit space, decked out in dark wood booths, green leather seating, an imposing marble-topped bar and walls covered in vibrant photographs taken on the streets of London and Southern California.' Side Hustle features in Time Out's list of the best hotel bars in London, and has been open since 2021. The NoMad also recently revamped its in-house restaurant, renaming it Twenty8 NoMad. Read our review here. The Spirited Awards take place as part of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and the winners were announced in New Orleans on July 24. The awards are voted on by a panel of 250 industry experts, including London bar pro Mr Lyan aka Ryan Chetiyawardana, who is the international Spirited Awards chair, and who also recently helped Time Out decide on London's best first date bars. Spirited Awards' biggest gong of the night is for World's Best Bar, which was given to Kumiko in Chicago, while the World's Best Cocktail Menu was won by Panda & Sons in Edinburgh.
Refinery29
10-07-2025
- Refinery29
Black & Unbothered When There's A Heatwave In New York City
The main character of the summer has already emerged and it's the heat. A few weeks ago when I headed to New York City for a weekend of work (meetings and team bonding) and pleasure (Cowboy Carter, baby!), it was just before the weather went from refreshingly sunny and breezy to oppressively hot and almost unbearable, when stepping outside meant being hit with a wall of thick steam while drenched in sweat. Not cute when your hair is done — I've said multiple prayers for my leave out! — and you're trying to look cute in that immaculate vacay outfit. But I've got good news. I was staying in the perfect place for a hot weekend: The Virgin Hotels New York City. NYC might not be the spot you think of immediately when you think a destination with temperatures that soar into the 90s℉ or 100s℉ , but I promise there's still fun to be had — even in the blistering heat. Let me be clear that I know how serious and dangerous the heat can be, so my first piece of advice is to stay safe, hydrate, and if it's too hot, stay inside. That said, I've got you covered for the cooler summer days too, because there's no better place in the world than New York City in the summer — rain, shine, or sweltering. I said what I said! So if you're planning a trip to NYC and you need some options for a long weekend, a last-minute staycay, or just a good ol' getaway, I've got you covered with these tips and recommendations. Virgin Hotels NYC, Where Hot Girls Go to Cool Off I'm not going to lie, at first I was skeptical about Virgin Hotels New York City's location. I usually stay in Brooklyn or on the Lower East Side so when I found out that VHNYC is nestled in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood, I didn't want to be too close to Times Square (yes, I'm very bad at directions), packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. But that's not what I got at all. Virgin Hotels New York City is close to iconic landmarks, like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Madison Square Garden. So if you want to see those sights, you absolutely can. You're also surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options, like the Theater District. The hotel is more than a place to sleep, it's an experience, and the location was perfect. You've got Chelsea just steps to the west, and the Flatiron District to the south. The neighborhood is vibrant and trendy, the quintessential live–work–play combination that the city is known for. One night, my friend and I hit up Pergola, a super cool hookah bar with a great vibe and even better drinks and I only had to walk five minutes to get back to the hotel. It's a well-lit and safe area and, thankfully, if it was one of those suffocatingly hot nights, stumbling a few blocks home (in heels, might I add) would have been just fine too. And if the pavement does feel like it might start bubbling, the hotel's lobby AC is consistently at a refreshingly cool temperature. The vibe is effortlessly sexy. Think bold red accents, vinyl booths, curated playlists, and ice-cold welcome drinks. And upstairs, you've got The Pool Club. Here's how the hotel's website describes it: "Consider paradise found. New York's newest rooftop pool destination is here. Escape to our fourth floor oasis for sun-kissed cocktails, bright bar snacks, and rooftop revelry - sunscreen and sunglasses at the ready." I couldn't have described it better myself. The space definitely lives up to the description and it's the ideal spot for cooling off. Everdene, the hotel's indoor-outdoor bar and lounge, is the place to be during a summer weekend. Even if it's 98°F at 6 p.m., the space is perfect. You can choose to stay inside at the bar area (which is cool-looking and cool) or you can pop outside to enjoy the rooftop skyline vibes: expansive views of Manhattan, glowing golden in the late afternoon sun and as dusk falls, they start to literally twinkle with city lights. You can order a frozen cocktail that may melt faster than your lip gloss or you can opt for, like I did, a crisp chilled rosé (with a delicious side of fries and salmon) or a spicy margarita on ice with a smoky mezcal kick. As you're sipping on cocktails, you're surrounded by lush planter boxes, pops of wildflowers, wooden accents, and soft lighting that give the terrace a warm, garden‑party feel — even in the midst of the city. And the views? Unreal. The Empire State Building looked like it was trying out for a music video. Speaking of scenes fit for a music video, the crowd was a mix of stylish tourists, locals in oversized linen, and a handful of girls I knew were also going to add another unforgettable experience to their NYC weekends: seeing Beyoncé live. Based on their rhinestone eyeliner and coordinated cowboy hats, it was clear I wasn't the only one pre-gaming before the big show. I didn't officially meet anyone, but we exchanged the universal Beyhive nod. Real ones know. City Views & Cowboy Moods: A Queen Bey Countdown As golden-hour sunlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my room (they call them 'Chambers'), the city skyline stretched out before me like a movie set — buildings glowing, traffic buzzing faintly below, and the excitement of the night ahead already buzzing — I couldn't help but feel so incredibly lucky to not only be in NYC, but to be staying in a beautiful boutique hotel, and to be seeing my favorite artist of all time. And in a city like NYC, there's always a concert to go to. The room itself was a blend of sleek modern design and cozy luxury: crisp white linens, rich leather accents, and clever vanity lighting that made getting concert-ready feel like preparing for a red carpet. I queue'd up Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album on the Bluetooth speaker (of course), letting her vocals set the mood while I sipped chilled Red Bull from the minibar. The rest of the room was peak staycation chic — plush king bed, glam vanity area, and most importantly: blackout curtains and glorious, silent air conditioning. I spent about 20 minutes in front of the mirror with cold jade rollers before in one of the room's two distinct spaces: the dressing room and there's the sleeping lounge, perfect for getting glam before a big night out. The beds are plush, the views stretch across the city, and there's no shortage of Instagrammable corners. I even recorded my GRWM Cowboy Carter edition reel in my room and it served up the best backdrop while I, well, served. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kathleen Newman-Bremang (@kathleennb) With my denim on denim on denim catching every glint of sunlight, the room felt electric with anticipation, like I wasn't just getting dressed, like I was stepping into a night I'd never forget. One final look in the mirror, one last lyric belted out with my bestie, and I was off to MetLife for the time of my life. The Post-Show Glow-Up (And Cool Down) Back at Virgin Hotels NYC, I did the only logical thing: ordered more fries, took a cold shower, and FaceTimed my best friend while sitting in a hotel robe and reliving every moment. The Virgin had just the right post-concert atmosphere: not too loud, not too quiet, and plenty of space to decompress (or gossip). I ended the night watching Beyoncé TikToks under a cold sheet mask in bed with the AC blasting. Perfection. If you want a hotel that understands the assignment, Virgin Hotels NYC is it. It's stylish, fun, centrally located, and built for the kind of high-energy, high-heat weekend that turns into a core memory. Just pack the portable fan. And sunglasses. And maybe a second portable fan.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Watch out, Starbucks: China's biggest coffee chain opens its first US locations
Luckin Coffee, the fast-growing chain that beat Starbucks at its own game in China, is entering the United States. Its first two US locations are opening Monday — both in New York City — marking an escalation in competition against Starbucks and other coffee chains, such as Dutch Bros., that have successfully built a loyal following in targeting Gen Z drinkers with TikTok-worthy drinks at affordable prices. Luckin's website and social media accounts are promoting the openings with discounts and giveaways. The stores are located in Greenwich Village, near the bustling New York University campus, and in NoMad. Luckin didn't respond to CNN's request for comment. Luckin was founded in 2017 and focuses on catering to young people, with mostly takeout booths and cashless payments. Its beverages in China are about 30% cheaper than those offered by Starbucks. The bare-bones stores usually offer only the most basic services, which has allowed the company to expand rapidly at a lower cost. It also requires consumers to use mobile phones to place orders. The US restaurant business is also increasingly pushing mobile orders and loyalty programs, which allow companies to collect extensive customer data and generate more repeat visits. Luckin's menu is filled with usual coffeehouse staples, including cold brews, hot coffee and matcha options. Signature items include adding fruit like pineapple and raspberry to its iced coffees as well as a line of brightly colored 'Refreshers' that mixes coconut milk and fruity juices and cold foams. A small selection of pastries are also on sale. Perhaps the biggest storyline has been Luckin's dominance over Starbucks in China. The number of Luckins overtook Starbucks in China in 2019, giving them the confidence to plot a US expansion. In 2019, the company filed for an initial public offering. But the company was forced to retreat a year later following the admission that its earnings had been fabricated. Luckin was later delisted from the Nasdaq, and its then chairman and CEO were both fired. The company was also slapped with a $180 million fine by the Securities and Exchange Commission. So, it retreated back to its home region of Asia, where it has more than 22,000 locations in China and several dozen in Singapore. In 2023, Luckin's revenue in China surpassed Starbucks for the first time — a significant blow for the Seattle chain that is still struggling to crack the market. Starbucks was reportedly courting buyers for a portion of its China business as part of CEO Brian Niccol's broader turnaround plans, but the company has since denied its Chinese stores are for sale. Although Luckin's formula has proven to be successful at home, it remains to be seen if the same will happen here — especially with Starbucks having more than a 50-year headstart. Laura He contributed to this report. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNN
30-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
Luckin comes to America: China's biggest coffee chain opens its first US locations
Source: CNN Luckin Coffee, the fast-growing chain that beat Starbucks at its own game in China, is entering the United States. Its first two US locations are opening Monday — both in New York City — marking an escalation in competition against Starbucks and other coffee chains, such as Dutch Bros., that have successfully built a loyal following in targeting Gen Z drinkers with TikTok-worthy drinks at affordable prices. Luckin's website and social media accounts are promoting the openings with discounts and giveaways. The stores are located in Greenwich Village, near the bustling New York University campus, and in NoMad. Luckin didn't respond to CNN's request for comment. Luckin was founded in 2017 and focuses on catering to young people, with mostly takeout booths and cashless payments. Its beverages in China are about 30% cheaper than those offered by Starbucks. The bare-bones stores usually offer only the most basic services, which has allowed the company to expand rapidly at a lower cost. It also requires consumers to use mobile phones to place orders. The US restaurant business is also increasingly pushing mobile orders and loyalty programs, which allow companies to collect extensive customer data and generate more repeat visits. Luckin's menu is filled with usual coffeehouse staples, including cold brews, hot coffee and matcha options. Signature items include adding fruit like pineapple and raspberry to its iced coffees as well as a line of brightly colored 'Refreshers' that mixes coconut milk and fruity juices and cold foams. A small selection of pastries are also on sale. Perhaps the biggest storyline has been Luckin's dominance over Starbucks in China. The number of Luckins overtook Starbucks in China in 2019, giving them the confidence to plot a US expansion. In 2019, the company filed for an initial public offering. But the company was forced to retreat a year later following the admission that its earnings had been fabricated. Luckin was later delisted from the Nasdaq, and its then chairman and CEO were both fired. The company was also slapped with a $180 million fine by the Securities and Exchange Commission. So, it retreated back to its home region of Asia, where it has more than 22,000 locations in China and several dozen in Singapore. In 2023, Luckin's revenue in China surpassed Starbucks for the first time — a significant blow for the Seattle chain that is still struggling to crack the market. Starbucks was reportedly courting buyers for a portion of its China business as part of CEO Brian Niccol's broader turnaround plans, but the company has since denied its Chinese stores are for sale. Although Luckin's formula has proven to be successful at home, it remains to be seen if the same will happen here — especially with Starbucks having more than a 50-year headstart. See Full Web Article
Business Insider
19-06-2025
- Business Insider
I've been to every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip — but there are just 5 that I'll always revisit.
Mandalay Bay has some of the best pools in Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay may be a bit south on The Strip, but it's still worth a visit. I love that it offers plenty of activities, like the on-site Shark Reef Aquarium. This hotel's 11-acre "aquatic playground" is also one of the coolest pool complexes in the entire city. You'll find a lazy river, wave pool, and more — but my favorite is the Moorea Beach Club, an adults-only, tops-optional pool complex with cabanas and daybeds for rental. The real draw for me, though, is that even the most basic-level rooms feel big and bright, with 550 square feet of space and floor-to-ceiling windows. I love that NoMad has a sleek aesthetic and a quiet, private pool. A luxurious "hotel within a hotel," NoMad spans the top four floors of Park MGM. Compared to Park MGM's cheery and bright decor, NoMad has a darker, moodier aesthetic. The rooms include original artwork, hardwood floors, and beautiful small touches throughout. Whenever I stay here, I feel like I'm in a luxe, big-city apartment instead of a hotel room. One of my favorite amenities is the quiet pool reserved for NoMad guests, who can enjoy all of Park MGM's pools and cabanas even when the pool is closed. Vdara is a great casino-free pick for families. Vdara is a rare Vegas resort without any casinos, making this a great option for non-gamblers, families, and business travelers. (Still, if you're looking to visit a blackjack table, you can easily visit the nearby casinos at the Aria, the Bellagio, and Cosmopolitan.) The modern suites with full kitchens provide an apartment-style experience. Plus, Vdara offers large windows with the best views of the Bellagio fountains and bright Vegas sunsets. My favorite budget hotel is the Flamingo. This is the best of the budget options on The Strip — and it's located right in the middle of all the action. Whenever I'm here, I can easily walk to the monorail, High Roller Ferris wheel, and shopping hubs, like the LINQ Promenade. When it comes to the hotel itself, I love the Flamingo's outdoor garden and Wildlife Habitat (which, yes, features real Chilean flamingoes). I also enjoy visiting the adults-only GO Pool. Offering the atmosphere of a day club, pool enthusiasts line up well before it opens to claim chairs and daybeds. Music blasts all day and there are waterfalls, small lounging islands, and even outdoor craps tables. Finally, the Flamingo has several stellar restaurant options. One of my favorites is Bugsy & Meyer's, a steakhouse with vintage decor and a facade that resembles an old general store. Out of all the hotels I've visited, the Wynn is my favorite. The Wynn Las Vegas (and its sister hotel, Encore) is my absolute favorite hotel complex in all of Las Vegas. The rooms are modern, spacious, and comfortable. Plus, I love that they include thoughtful touches like nice stemware and tablets for room controls, room service, and more. I'm also consistently impressed by the Wynn's food options. You'll find tons of high-quality restaurants here, including one of the few buffets on The Strip. Personally, I always look forward to having a sumptuous dinner at SW Steakhouse — and then, visiting the lakeside patio for a quirky light show.
