Today’s news in brief – 07/01/25

The O2 Arena has seen sales across F&B, leisure and retail rise by 6% in 2024, marking the live entertainment’s “best-ever” year for trade. It comes as The O2 welcomed a record number of people – over 10 million – throughout last year, which spells an uplift of 12% against 2023. Grab-and-go-style dining remained “a prominent F&B category”, with figures jumping by 14% against 2023.

Modern West African restaurant Shakara will open in Marylebone on 31 January. This first iteration of Shakara provides exclusive private dining with a thoughtfully curated menu of African cuisine and fine mixology. Spanning 6,000 square feet, the space is designed by Red Deer, and interior design agency, Tola Ojuolape Studio. Inspired by the design of West Africa, Shakara’s earthy-coloured terracotta tiles are designed to resemble Nigeria’s red soil.

Tony Parkin has left his position as chef patron at the Cliff House Hotel in County Waterford, Ireland. He confirmed his departure, following just over two years in the role, in a post on Instagram giving no reason for his departure. He described his time at the hotel as “an incredible journey full of ups and downs”. He also thanked the restaurant team for their support in his time there namely head chef James Freeman.