Born and raised in the U.K., Howard Chamberlain moved to Apex, a town just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2020 and quickly fell for the region.
“North Carolina and especially Raleigh offers a unique mix of Southern hospitality, four seasons of weather and the ability to be in the mountains or on the beach within 90 minutes by car,” said Chamberlain, a 30-plus-year hospitality veteran who has his own executive recruiting firm, Chamberlain Search. “Did I mention the outstanding barbecue?”
Find out where the former English chef goes for life-changing barbecue and to experience the abundant nature in Raleigh and rest of the Research Triangle area (it’s anchored by Duke University in Durham, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University in Raleigh).
What are the Research Triangle’s must-visit attractions?
There are many outstanding museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina Museum of Art. We have the wonderful State Farmers Market. Dix Park in summer is amazing for its sunflowers, and a new art installation by Thomas Dambo of five giant recycled wood trolls is coming in October.
What are the best under-the-radar activities in Raleigh?
My favorite area of Raleigh to explore is the Warehouse District, which is full of boutique eclectic shops, art galleries, restaurants. It is quickly becoming one of the city’s top entertainment and nightlife spots. Don’t forget to hit up Barcelona Wine Bar for incredible tapas and a great selection of wines.
What’s the best family-friendly activity in the city?
Raleigh has it all — museums, parks and plenty of open space, etc. — but the new Downtown Cary Park is amazing for all ages and has won national acclaim.
What culinary experiences do you recommend?
Straight off the bat, the best food is at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, where chef Steven Greene delivers some of the best dishes I have eaten. Bluebird in Chapel Hill is an amazing French bistro with a great bar.
And finally, let’s talk barbecue. My go-to place is just south of the city in Benson is called the Redneck BBQ Lab. Believe me — it will change your life, but make sure you are hungry.
What’s one dish everyone should try in Raleigh?
Eating barbecue is an absolute must! A smoked brisket sandwich and a triple berry sonker [a regional dish similar to a cobbler but with a soupier filling and a bread-like topping] for dessert.
What are can’t-miss restaurants in the area?
Herons at The Umstead, Death and Taxes, Stanbury and Hawthorne and Wood. I am desperate to try Madre in downtown Raleigh.
What is the most exciting new restaurant?
Proximo, a tapas bar in Chapel Hill with exceptional food and a wonderful wine list. The yellowfin tuna escabeche with sunchoke and dill is a must.
Where do you go for the best cup of caffeine?
Haraz Coffee House in Apex serves excellent Yemeni coffee, pastries and desserts, however being English, a good cup of Yorkshire Gold tea on my porch is the best.
Where do you go to relax?
The Raleigh area is all about lake life. We are fortunate to have many beautiful undeveloped lakes very close where you can boat, fish, paddleboard, jet ski or just sit and enjoy the views.
How do you connect with nature in the “City of Oaks”?
My wife and I love to walk along the Greenways and the American Tobacco Trail, which is a 23-mile former railway corridor that connects Durham, Chatham and Wake counties.
Beyond the downtown core, what is one neighborhood every visitor should explore?
Chapel Hill is a wonderful, cute town. It’s home to UNC-Chapel Hill, which is one of American’s oldest public universities with lots of history and a great college town vibe.
What are the best spots for live music?
Raleigh is blessed with many indoor and outdoor live music venues, including the Lenovo Center, Walnut Creek Music Park, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, the Red Hat Amphitheater and the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Where is your go-to spot for a drink?
Neat and Sweet lounge in downtown Apex serves handcrafted cocktails with chic surroundings. You must try the N&S Smoked Old Fashioned.
What are the best souvenirs to bring home?
If you can pack it in your luggage, a bottle of Cheerwine — a North Carolina cherry soda — and a bottle of barbecue sauce.
Where’s the best place to go shopping in Raleigh?
North Hills is a destination in Raleigh offering a great variety of stores, restaurants and entertainment options.
When is the best time to visit Raleigh?
Fall for its cooler temperatures and autumnal colors.
Share an insider tip about your city.
Make sure to avoid pollen season if you suffer from allergies! The beautiful trees and nature of Raleigh results in a significant pollen season in April and May.
What is Raleigh’s best-kept secret?
Howling Cow Creamery at NC State’s dairy Farm. They make the best ice cream.
Let’s talk hospitality. Who do you most admire in the industry?
Recently, I was fortunate to visit Clemson University in South Carolina with my daughter and stayed at The Shepherd Hotel, which is co-owned and managed by Rick Hayduk, whom we had previously recruited for Blackstone in Florida. This amazing property, in tandem with Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program, employs more than 30% of its employees with an intellectual disability, which quite frankly brings such delight and fulfillment to guests, owners, employees and vendors. I have rarely seen such a truly authentic and joyful hospitality.
Rick will soon open two new boutique hotels (Lantern Hotels) in Columbia and Rock Hill, South Carolina, with his quest to employ more people with disabilities in an industry with historical staff shortages. Truly inspiring!
What’s the worst hospitality trend you’ve seen?
Resort fees. I just don’t understand why. Just add the dollar amount to the room rate.
What hospitality trend do you want to see more of?
I would really love to see hotels, resorts and restaurants try to be true and unique to their location, surroundings and employees.
What will be the biggest change in the industry in 10 years?
Whilst AI is having its moment and will play a significant part of our industry moving forward, I believe that true luxury travelers and providers will need to remain authentic and provide experiences that cannot be computer generated. There will be a defined split between companies that just provide a generic product that consumers will buy without looking and then there will be a more discerning clientele who are craving something different, authentic and unique.
