Harvey Brittain at The Hotel Café – Live Review
Harvey Brittain, The Hotel Café, Hollywood, CA., December 9, 2025
The Hotel Café recently announced that they would soon close their doors and relocate sometime in the New Year. The iconic venue, with its two stages, possesses a rare blend of grandeur and intimacy—and countless cherished memories live within those hallowed walls, tucked away in the back alley off Cahuenga Blvd. Count Harvey Brittain’s wonderful set on the small stage as one of those nights to remember: a star making performance that perfectly embodies what the Hotel Café has always been known for.
Harvey Brittain is a rising voice in the indie-pop scene, known for weaving heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies that linger long after the last note fades. With roots in London and a sound that blends raw vulnerability with polished artistry, he’s quickly built a reputation for intimate performances that feel both personal and universal. His songs carry the weight of lived experience, delivered with a warmth that draws listeners in close. And the live experience Harvey presented at the Hotel Café side stage was absolutely wondrous to behold.
The set unfolded like a journey through emotion and connection, each song a chapter in Harvey’s story. He opened with Holy Water, a track that immediately set the tone with its soulful intensity, drawing the audience into his world. From there, he introduced Ghost, a brand-new song shimmering with vulnerability and promise, hinting at the evolving artistry he’s bringing to the stage.
The night took on a serendipitous twist when Harvey performed Grace—a song that resonated even more deeply knowing that a fan named Grace had driven all the way from Phoenix just to see him. That coincidence gave the performance a heartfelt intimacy, as if the universe itself had orchestrated the moment. He followed with a brilliant cover of the Sombr classic Back To Friends, breathing fresh life into the beloved track while balancing reverence for the original with his own unique style.
Momentum carried forward as Harvey unveiled his latest single Darkest Hour, pulsing with intensity and showcasing the darker edge of his songwriting while still carrying his signature emotional clarity. Crowd favorites Something Real and Bad People followed, each met with cheers that proved how deeply his music resonates live. And when the night finally came to a close, Harvey left the audience on a high with Headlock—a powerful finale that wrapped the evening in both grit and grace.
As the lights dimmed and the final notes echoed through the intimate side stage, it was clear Harvey Brittain had delivered more than just a set—he had crafted an experience that embodied everything the Hotel Café has stood for over the years: discovery, connection, and artistry in its purest form. With the venue preparing to close its doors and begin a new chapter elsewhere, Brittain’s performance felt like both a celebration of its legacy and a glimpse into the future of music.
For those lucky enough to be in the room, December 9, 2025 will be remembered not only as one of the last great nights at the Hotel Café, but as the moment Harvey Brittain firmly staked his claim as one of indie-pop’s brightest rising stars.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Karyn Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
Harvey Brittain on Instagram
