In Review: December 2024
All the latest from team GB&C and looking ahead to 2025.
Dear friends,
We hope this newsletter finds you with a mince pie in hand, perhaps sipping on something warm and festive.
After a year marked by epic events and countless new openings, we couldn’t let December pass by without one final celebration - our annual team Christmas party. This year, we kicked things off with margaritas and negronis at Soma, followed by a truly decadent feast at The Hero in Maida Vale. The perfect way to toast to the achievements of the past year and to those who made it so memorable.
As always, a huge thank you to everyone who has collaborated with us this year - clients, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, chefs, sommeliers, journalists, and so many more. Here’s to more fun in 2025.
INTRODUCING
Bar Valette
Introducing Bar Valette, the new restaurant by chef Isaac McHale of The Clove Club, opening in Shoreditch in January. With a menu inspired by Isaac’s love of simple Spanish cooking and Southern French cuisine, expect dishes like Barbajuans and Venison meatballs - a nod to those found in San Sebastian's pintxos bars, alongside familiar favourites borrowed from The Clove Club and of course, plenty of sherry.
Thomasina Miers
We’re thrilled to announce that our marketing and partnerships teams are working with the incredible Thomasina Miers. Although she needs no introduction, Tommi is a renowned chef, author, co-founder of Wahaca, and a passionate advocate for championing sustainable, authentic Mexican cuisine. Her approach to cooking has inspired so many, and we can’t wait to share more of what we’ve been working on together, starting with these festive recipes.
WE’RE HIRING
Fancy joining our team? We’re on the lookout for a Senior Account Manager and a Team Assistant, as well as a FTC parental cover role of Marketing Director starting in March 2025. If you’re interested, drop us a line at jobs@gemmebellandcompany.com or share with anyone who you think fits the bill - we’d love to hear from you.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
If you’re still figuring out your plans for NYE, then fear not, whether you’re in the mood to get glammed up or looking for a low-key evening with loved ones, here are our top picks for ringing in the new year.
Head to akub in Notting Hill for a special curated menu designed for both smaller and larger groups, celebrating rich Palestinian flavours around an abundant tawla - a dining table filled with sharing plates.
For those looking to celebrate in style, Bob Bob Ricard is doing what it does best, promising an evening of unparalleled glamour and indulgence. On the menu? Beef Wellington; oysters; and plenty of champagne flowing throughout the evening.
This year, The Aubrey is adopting the Japanese spirit of osusowake with its New Year’s Eve sharing menu. Think sharing plates of Japanese oysters and chicken karaage; robata meats grilled over hot charcoals; and lobster fried rice with uni. Yes please.
And finally, if there’s one person we trust to throw a New Year’s Eve party to remember, it’s Mr Lyan. Over at his Shoreditch cocktail bar Seed Library, the team will be hosting a house-style party with festive drinks, hot dogs, and live music from some very special guests.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Don’t Tell Dad opening
New neighbourhood bakery and restaurant Don’t Tell Dad will officially open its doors on 17th January, bringing bold plates and pastries to the local Queen’s Park community and further beyond. Be one of the first to try dishes like Truffle and cheddar beignets with mushroom ketchup; Crab tart with watercress and crab oil mayo; and Duck and sausage cassoulet.
Guest chef residencies at Carousel
Creative culinary hub Carousel is kicking off another year of epic guest chefs with a line-up of unmissable pop-ups this January. First up, a two-week residency with Ibiza beach bar legends Nudo (3rd - 18th January), before Edinburgh’s unstoppable talent Tomás Gormley takes over for a Burn’s Night special (21st - 25th January). Finally, Joyeta Ng will join Carousel for a Lunar New Year celebration, showcasing comforting, home-style Cantonese dishes elevated with her signature flair (28th January - 1st February).
Creative workshops
New year, new hobby? Pophams Home returns with a line-up of creative workshops in collaboration with local artisans in their dedicated London Fields workshops space, fuelled by food and drink from the next-door bakery and restaurant.
For those looking to escape the city, renowned Suffolk bakers and chocolate makers Pump Street have announced a roster of workshops with guest tutors Edd Kimber and Hugo Harrison, alongside their classic Understanding Sourdough and Craft Chocolate Experience classes, while West Midlands food-led destination Hampton Manor has introduced new cookery school workshops for the new year, including pasta making and Nordic bun baking, inspired by Copenhagen’s infamous bakeries.
Wishing you a very merry festive period, and a Happy New Year!
Love, GB&C x