Pestana is pushing forward with purpose to celebrate 15th anniversary

Ash Sarswat, General Manager at Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa,

Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and loves being part of Wandsworth’s “thriving economy”.

They opened their doors in February 2010 and joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce later that year.

At the time, the Pestana Group already had a significant international presence, and Pestana Chelsea Bridge represented their first venture in Europe outside of Portugal.

To mark its significant milestone this year, the hotel is undertaking major refurbishment works to elevate guests’ experience and align with its sustainability goals. So far, they have replaced carpets, curtains and lighting in all 218 bedrooms; installed both USB and USB-C charging points beside beds; and upgraded their health and leisure offerings in the gym, spa and pool. They have also committed to replacing sofas, lighting and bathroom fixtures in all public areas and bathrooms by year-end. The hotel is also partnering with innovative startups and established providers to digitise guest services to enhance the customer experience.

“These are exciting times at Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa – we’re pushing forward with purpose, celebrating our heritage, and embracing the future,” says Ash Sarswat, General Manager.

“As a Group, we believe strongly in the power of local business networks to drive growth, foster collaboration, and enhance community engagement.

“Joining the Chamber enabled us to connect with other businesses, stay informed about local developments, and actively contribute to Wandsworth’s thriving economy.

“Becoming a Patron of the Chamber has been incredibly valuable. The networking opportunities at Chamber events have allowed us to forge strong relationships with local business leaders, suppliers, and potential partners. Hosting the ‘Big Business Breakfast’ at the hotel showcases our venue and creates meaningful connections with SMEs and corporate stakeholders. I also had the privilege of meeting our local MP, Marsha de Cordova, at one of these events –she subsequently hosted a hospitality roundtable in Parliament to discuss the challenges posed by Brexit. Being able to speak there was very fulfilling and reaffirmed the tangible benefits of our Patronage.”

Ash advises new Chamber members to “be visible and engage actively” by attending events, participating in forums and taking full advantage of the Chamber’s resources.

“Building relationships is key – introduce yourself confidently and explore collaboration opportunities. While day-to-day business tasks can feel overwhelming, sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from casual conversations. You have to be present to win the prize!”

The hospitality sector has experienced several challenges in recent years and had to pivot accordingly to combat setbacks. Ash says rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and hiring and retaining talent in hospitality is “tough”.

“These are trends that have persisted since Covid,” says Ash.

“Hiring and retaining talent in hospitality is tough – our business often demands evenings, weekends, and flexibility.

“At Pestana Chelsea Bridge, our HR team champions flexibility, supporting staff with multiple commitments – students, part-time carers, and those working specific shifts –ensuring they feel valued and supported. The Chamber can amplify our efforts by promoting our vacancies and contemporary working models.

“To stay resilient personally, I prioritise adaptability – keeping up with industry trends, investing in team development, and maintaining strong guest relationships. As a business, we continue to refine our operations, invest in technology, and reinforce our hotel culture, ensuring that we’re agile, guest-focused, and ready for future challenges.

“We applaud every hospitality business that survived the pandemic – it made our sector stronger. We embraced efficiency, operated with lean staffing without compromising guest experience, and accelerated digital transformation to bridge workforce gaps. The outcome has been fantastic.”

Building relationships is key – introduce yourself confidently and explore collaboration opportunities. While day-to-day business tasks can feel overwhelming, sometimes the most meaningful ideas come from casual conversations. You have to be present to win the prize!