My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’

My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House

Marwa Bashir, celebrity hairstylist to Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini and many more, shares her insider tips for a visit to Music City

20 August 2022    By Marwa Bashir

It’s not called Music City for nothing. Home to country singers, live shows and honky-tonks, Nashville is the place to be for sounds – and yet there is so much more to do, see and explore. 


From famed restaurants to hip hangouts, the Tennessee capital is home to a multi-faceted creative community, including hairstylist Marwa Bashir. A Nashville resident for the past 13 years, who better to ask for the ins and outs of her adopted home than the woman behind the hairstyles of some of country music’s biggest stars? 

My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House

What’s your favourite thing about living in Nashville? 
‘I was drawn to the city for the music and would say that is still probably my favourite aspect of it. I wanted to work in the music industry but as a hairstylist and Nashville had it all.’ 
 
Describe Soho House Nashville in three words.
‘Relaxing, connected, cozy.’ 
 
Best way to explore the city? 

‘In a car. Nashville isn’t much of a walking city, unless you want to only be on Broadway or downtown. Nashville is quite spread out and walking to different neighbourhoods isn’t really an option.’  
 
Tell us a place only locals know. 
‘Thai Phooket. There was one on Woodland Street, in a little trailer that burnt down years ago, but thankfully they have another location in Rivergate. I get takeout from them regularly.’ 
 
What’s your favourite local dish and where to eat it?
‘Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna at Two Ten Jack on Eastland Ave is always a favourite. If I’m feeling really decadent, I go for a Chicken and Waffle Cone from Coneheads.’

My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House
My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House
My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House

Best restaurants to visit right now?
‘Drusie & Darr, Locust, Tailor, Peninsula.’ 

Your ideal evening itinerary?
‘I love going out on Thursdays, before the city gets busy with tourists. I start my night at Soho House for some mocktails. The Seaward Paloma is my drink of the summer. I’ll walk to Bastion for dinner, then head to Rosemary & Beauty Queen to dance and listen to B-sides from classic hip-hop albums with [DJ] Coach – it’s my favourite sport for party vibes. The Flamingo Cocktail Club is also within walking distance from the House.’

Where do you take out of towners?
 ‘I usually take them to The Twelve Thirty Club. Music, food and a taste of Broadway.’ 


Top spots for breakfast? 
‘I am more of a brunch girl and I recommend the Soho House Sunday Feast. I go specifically for the raw seafood bar and dessert table, and get a seat on the patio because it is romantic even on a hot day. Also, Chauhan Ale and Masala House – Indian food mixed with southern brunch food is the fusion you never knew you needed.’

My Nashville: ‘I was drawn to the city for the music’ | Soho House

An independent store everyone has to check out?
‘Tertiary Sight is an aura photography studio. It’s located in the Shoppes on Fatherland, in East Nashville. Make an appointment to have the extended reading for deeper insight into what your aura means.’ 


Essentials to pack for a Nashville summer?’
‘Breathable clothes, anti-humidity hair products, hand fan and sunscreen – it gets HOT AND STICKY.’


Where do you go to escape the summer heat?
‘The pool at Soho House, or paddle boarding on Percy Priest Lake.’ 
   
Do not leave Nashville without…
‘Checking out all the natural attractions just outside of the city. Radnor Lake and Shelby Bottoms are nature reserves that offer hiking trails and are wonderful places to recharge.’

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