New Eats: Ross Simon's London Finds and a Colorado Culinary Boom
A mixology expert shares his favorite new London spots, while a Colorado town adds high-end dining to its historic attractions.
By Lucas Navarro ·
Ross Simon has returned from a two-week European trip focused on finding new dining experiences.
The Phoenix mixologist, who built a career after working at London's LAB Bar in the 2000s, spent the final days of his summer tour in London. He visited Paris, Tuscany, Rome, and the Isle of Man before concluding in the British capital. Simon, who founded Bitter & Twisted, Little Rituals, and Stabyl Beverage Co., described London as a top-tier food city that rivals any location in the world. He noted that the city has evolved significantly, but one must know where to look to find the best offerings.
Simon highlighted Speedboat Bar at The Electric in Notting Hill as a buzzy newcomer. The venue sits next to a restored 1910 cinema and serves stir-fries, curries, and sweetcorn fritters inspired by Chinese and Thai street food. He called everything on the menu a banger. In Bethnal Green, he recommended Satan's Whiskers, a bartender's bar that opened in 2013. Simon praised the spot for its consistent execution of classic cocktails, describing it as a slow build of excellence. For a heartier meal, he suggested Old Brewer's Yard at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden. This 18th-century brewery restoration is his go-to spot for a pie and pint. He also recommended Lahpet Restaurant in Shoreditch, a Burmese eatery known for fermented tea leaf dishes and high-quality service.
While Simon explored the UK, Cañon City in central Colorado expanded its dining and hospitality options. The town sits near Royal Gorge, a 10-mile chasm carved by the Arkansas River. Local chef Johnny Church, a Chopped champion, opened the fine-dining restaurant Antithesis in August 2026. Located inside the 1884 Royal Gorge Mansion, the restaurant serves Colorado-raised lamb and beef alongside coastal seafood, Korean fried rice, and Peruvian shrimp ceviche. This addition provides the small town with an elevated culinary experience featuring a Rocky Mountain twist.
Hotel St. Cloud in Cañon City also underwent a major transformation. Originally opened in 1887 to serve travelers on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, the property hosted Hollywood figures like Burt Lancaster in the 1940s. The hotel recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and reopened last year with 36 rooms, two restaurants, and a martini bar.
Visitors to the area can also enjoy the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The 90-minute train ride operates year-round through the gorge. In October, the railroad hosted a Denver Broncos-themed excursion. During the winter months, the line offers Santa Express Trains for a family-friendly trip to the North Pole, featuring food, drink, Christmas carols, and snowy landscapes.
Meanwhile, the Surfrider Malibu in California is positioning itself as a winter destination. The 1950s motor lodge offers 20 rooms overlooking Malibu Lagoon State Beach. In colder months, the property replaces shoreline umbrellas with rooftop firepits and serves spicy margs and cinnamon spritzes. Guests can use surfboards designed by Mick Fanning, a multi-year World Surf League champion. The hotel charges from $650 per night and promotes peak whale-watching and reduced crowds as key benefits of a winter stay.
