Sleeper 97

HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE & DESIGN

THE LONDON ISSUE

Hashira Pendant

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CONTENTS ISSUE 97 076

HOTEL REVIEWS

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NoMad 058

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Nobu Portman Square

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Henry’s Townhouse

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Montcalm East

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Selina Camden

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No.1 The Townhouse at Great Scotland Yard

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FEATURES

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Building London

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A Market in Flux

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The UK may still be dealing with the impact of the pandemic, but hotel development in the capital shows no signs of slowing.

As London emerges from lockdown, the hard-hit hospitality sector reviews performance, profit and pipeline in the hope of a post-pandemic rebound.

Meeting... 048

With bookings in London on the rise, leading operators provide insight on the future of hospitality in the capital.

Hotel Meets...

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A hub for creativity and innovation, London’s diversity of sectors are having an impact on hotels, and vice versa.

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CONTENTS ISSUE 97 FEATURES

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Better Together

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Timely Transformations

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As hospitality, retail and office spaces continue to evolve, could mixed-use developments drive consumers back to the city centre?

The capital’s hotels unveil the results of their lockdown makeovers, ranging from new spas and suites to full refurbishments.

AHEAD 123 © Matthew Shaw

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A hotbed for shortlisted and triumphant projects, London has been a success at AHEAD Europe over the years. Delving through the archives, we take a look back at its award-winning hotels.

All Together Now

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With the UK’s pilot events beginning to pave the way for the return of large-scale gatherings, London’s hospitality industry is gearing up for an action-packed end to the year.

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Showrooms 134

As London’s showrooms finally reopen their doors to trade, we take a look at what’s in store.

REGULARS

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Drawing Board

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Business Centre

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Events 123 Furniture 137 Specifier 147 Check-Out

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Oliver Hemming Songbird

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Songbird Robin

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Hokkaido, Japan

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WELCOME

ON THE COVER NoMad London © Simon Upton

London Calling

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here’s something quite special happening in London’s

all-encompassing wellbeing facilities owing to an increased

hotel market right now. Whether it’s a touch of

focus on mind, body and soul; events spaces have become

Blitz spirit uniting the sector in defiance against the

hybrid-ready with upgraded technology suitable for both live

pandemic, or the buzz surrounding the capital’s newcomers,

and virtual audiences; and restaurants have braved the British

it feels like there’s finally hope on the horizon.

weather to expand to rooftops, terraces and even forecourts

18 months of Covid-enforced closures have undoubtedly

as demand for al fresco dining grows.

taken their toll, but a flurry of openings following the easing

There’s plenty more to come too, with over 13,000 rooms –

of restrictions in May brought with them some much-needed

either refurbished or entirely new – set to open in the capital

energy, reigniting a desire to get out-and-about again.

before the year is out. Looking further ahead, London has

I write from The Library at NoMad, just one of the new

retained its spot as one of the most active hotel development

launches covered in this issue of Sleeper. There’s a steady

markets in the world, second only to Dubai – another sure

stream of people coming through the doors; whether checking-

sign of recovery.

in or not, they’re eager for a glimpse of the soaring, plant-filled

What’s remarkable is that despite the current drop-off

atrium that has come to be the most-photographed space of

in guests, there’s still appetite for owning, operating and

the hotel within just a few short weeks. The restaurant is fully

designing a hotel in London, particularly a trophy asset at

booked this evening. And come clocking-off time, there’s a

the luxury end of the market – just ask any of the parties

lively crowd at the bar. It’s a welcome sign that footfall across

involved in the creation of NoMad. Or take the record-

the capital is beginning to return, and – even in the absence

breaking sale of The Ritz; who would have thought that the

of the overnight international travellers – restaurants and

UK’s most expensive hotel ever sold would be snapped up

bars are once again serving paying guests. An air of caution

in the midst of a shutdown? Taking a build-it-and-they-

amongst hoteliers has turned to talk of growth. Architects

will-come approach, developers are pushing ahead with their

and designers are winning new commissions. And projects

plans, confident that London’s world-class tourist offer and

that had ground to a halt are one again under way. London is

status as a global business hub will entice guests back once

slowly but surely regaining confidence.

more. It may take time to return to the glory days of 2019 in

It’s rare, if ever, that we dedicate an entire issue of Sleeper to a single market, but given the huge amount of development

terms of performance, but it’s clear that the capital remains an attractive market. London is indeed calling.

happening in the city – we could have filled these pages twiceover – it only seemed right that we delve a little deeper into the sector, examining performance, pipeline and future prospects.

Not only do we review the brand-new openings, there’s a look at the many partial refurbs undertaken through lockdown, some opportunistic, some out of necessity, implemented to meet the changing needs of the guest. Spas have evolved into

Catherine Martin • Managing Editor

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GUEST BOOK

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054 Ronny Maier

048 Aiden McCauley

051 Karin Sheppard

053 Steve Cassidy

Having opened 36 properties in the capital to-date, Marriott International is looking out for growth and investment opportunities to expand its portfolio of brands, anticipating that luxury travellers from overseas will touch down in London again later this year. “The hotel industry is resilient and we are confident that travel will return,” says Ronny Maier, the group’s Area Vice President, UK, Ireland and Nordics.

“I have no doubt that when people can cross borders more freely, business will thrive again.”

“Following government announcements, there were immediate surges in bookings,” explains Aiden McCauley, Senior Vice President of Operations, Northern Europe for Accor when asked about anticipated hotel performance for the remainder of 2021. “While we have seen that the London hotel market has been badly affected by the pandemic, Accor has put measures in place so we feel we are well positioned for a summer recovery.” The group is currently gearing up for the return of Mondrian in the city.

“On the whole, the UK offers outstanding opportunities to maintain and increase scale, which is why we continue to target growth – including in cities like London – in a big way,” explains Karin Sheppard, IHG’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Europe, speaking to Sleeper about the group’s prospects. “Our ability to continue investing in our brands, technology and loyalty offer has meant we’ve historically grown market share during a downturn, and we hope to do the same again.”

With seven hotels in its London pipeline – including Canopy, The Gantry and Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch – Hilton Worldwide believes the city will return to prepandemic performance thanks to pent-up demand. “Hilton has been around for 102 years and that’s testament to the fact that people love to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others; the pandemic won’t change that,” says Steve Cassidy, the group’s Managing Director for UK and Ireland. “The industry will come back stronger and so will we.”

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DRAWING BOARD

DRAWING BOARD

Building London The UK may still be dealing with the impact of the pandemic, but hotel development in the capital shows no signs of slowing.

Words: Catherine Martin

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or any hotel group building a global portfolio, London is high on the list of locations to plant a flag.

Along with New York, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai,

the city is considered the holy grail when it comes to development – a flagship here establishes a brand on the global stage and is expected to open the door to expansion in gateway cities across Europe and beyond.

London’s status as a major business hub and its yearon-year rises in tourist arrivals have long been a driving force for growth across the hospitality sector, with the hosting of large-scale events such as the 2012 Olympic Games further boosting development. Despite the high barriers to entry – such as a lack of available sites, the soaring cost of land and intense competition amongst bidders – the city has remained an attractive market in recent years, its consistently strong performance and the prestige of an asset in the capital adding to the appeal.

New rooms are added to the inventory on a weekly basis, and according to London & Partners – a destination agency focused on supporting the city’s growth – 2020 was set to be record-breaking, with the highest ever number of hotels expected to open across the capital. At the end of 2019, the agency cited data from STR to reveal

DRAWING BOARD

Set to open in 2022, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will house 80 residential apartments alongside a 50-key hotel with a selection of F&B venues and wellness facilities

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that a total of 7,995 new rooms were planned

the last count, 33 projects will open through the

for 2020, a significant rise from the 3,222 rooms

remainder of 2021, 28 projects in 2022, and 13

that opened a decade earlier in 2010. But just

projects in 2023.

weeks later, an unknown virus swept the globe

So who’s behind these new hotels? According

and subsequently brought uncertainty to the

to Tophotelprojects, Hilton Worldwide has the

pipeline. Covid-19 has since wreaked havoc

largest pipeline of the big players, with 2,733

on the hospitality sector, but in terms of new

rooms across eight projects in the works.

development, the news isn’t as bad as once

Canopy will make its UK debut in the capital

predicted. The number of projects cancelled or

this summer, while Motto, the group’s new

on hold in the capital is thought to be in single

affordable lifestyle brand, is under construction

figures, and there’s even been new signings for

in Marylebone. Hilton is adding to its Curio

some operators.

Collection too; The Gantry – designed by ICA

The latest data from Tophotelprojects reveals

and incorporating the highest rooftop bar in

a total of 112 hotels in the pipeline in London,

East London – will land in Stratford over the

accounting for 20,062 new rooms. By global

coming months, followed in 2022 by an 145-key

standards, this makes it one of the most active

property near St Paul’s Cathedral.

cities in the world, second only to Dubai. Of

Accor meanwhile has five projects listed on

London’s 112 projects, 38% (42 projects) are

the Tophotelprojects database, the first opening

in advanced stages of planning, and a further

being Mondrian Shoreditch, a much-anticipated

37% (41 projects) are under construction. A

European flagship with co-working spaces and

large proportion of those in the pipeline are also

a tapas restaurant helmed by Dani Garcia. The

expected to debut before the end of the year,

operator is also reported to be planning the

many a hang over from the delays of 2020. At

London debut of Joe & Joe, the economy brand

DRAWING BOARD

London’s status as a major business hub and its year-on-year rises in tourist arrivals have long been a driving force for growth across the hospitality sector.

designed around an open-house concept with

A rise in consumer demand for self-

both shared accommodation and private rooms.

contained accommodation – a trend that will

At Radisson Hotel Group, the Red brand is

only accelerate in light of the pandemic –

soon to open at Gatwick Airport and The O2,

sees growth in the aparthotel segment with

while Hyatt Hotels Corporation is adding to its

Dublin-based StayCity leading the charge. The

Park Hyatt portfolio, opening at the mixed-use

Tophotelprojects database lists three StayCity

One Nine Elms development in 2022, followed

properties in the pipeline that collectively add

by a Trafalgar Square site in 2025.

887 units to the inventory, while Citadines will

Marriott International and IHG each have three projects in development in London

open a 300-key extended-stay offer in Wembley later this year.

according to the data. For Marriott, a 222-key

Other noteworthy projects in the pipeline

newbuild under the Westin brand is close to

include a 343-key Art’otel in Hoxton, a CitizenM

completion on the banks of the Thames, while

in Victoria due to open in 2022, and no less that

IHG is set to expand Hotel Indigo.

three Ruby hotels marking significant expansion

Away from the large international groups,

for the Munich-based group.

there’s a wide variety of projects in the pipeline,

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of

from newbuild skyscrapers and sprawling

London’s hotel market however is the continued

mixed-use developments, to conversions of

appetite for luxury. The pipeline shows 40

former office blocks, refurbishments of existing

projects (7,881 rooms) in the five-star segment,

hotels and restorations of heritage buildings.

with brand expansions adding to a number of

Every market segment is represented with

highly-anticipated debuts. Mandarin Oriental

the projects ranging from design-led hostels,

and Rosewood will each open a second property

economy hotels and select-service through

in the capital, while Accor will introduce Raffles,

extended stay, lifestyle and midscale to one-

Hilton will debut Waldorf Astoria and IHG

of-a-kind collection properties and luxury.

will launch Six Senses. Asia-based groups are

With a large proportion of travellers driven

recognising the potential of the London market

by price, the pipeline continues to show growth

too, the expectation being that homegrown fans

in the economy segment. Accor is expanding

will select a brand they know and trust when

its Ibis brand while Whitbread is preparing

they travel abroad. Singapore’s Pan Pacific,

to add two locations to its network of Hub by

Hong Kong’s The Peninsula and India’s Oberoi

Premier Inn hotels with new openings in Soho

are all under construction in the capital, marking

and Shoreditch. The new additions will bring

significant investment from the continent.

the total number of properties in the capital

So despite the challenges London is facing

to 11 – more than 2,000 keys – and there’s a

as it emerges from the pandemic, the appeal

further five on site or in advanced stages of

of the city in the eyes of owners, operators and

planning. London remains a key growth area

developers hasn’t faltered. International hotel

for Travelodge too, and the company is expected

groups, regional operators and independents

to open at least 20 more hotels in the capital

continue to plant flags in all corners of the

over the next five years, bringing its portfolio

capital, cementing its place as one of the world’s

close to the 100-mark.

leading hotel markets.

For more information on new hotel projects in planning or under construction, visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

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DRAWING BOARD

Six Senses

Despite the disruption caused by Covid-19,

20-metre swimming pool, an Alchemy Bar and a

construction has continued on Six Senses

relaxation room with vaulted ceilings. Recalling

London in preparation for its 2023 debut, which

an old-fashioned Underground station, the

will mark the brand’s entry into the UK.

facility will mirror the different energies of

Formerly home to Art Deco department

urban life, from the sensory stimulation and

store Whiteleys, the site in Bayswater is being

movement of the street to the stillness of a quiet

redeveloped by real estate firm Finchatton in

café or park.

collaboration with Foster + Partners, while EPR

“Since taking a view in 2012 to find unique

Architects is working with AvroKO on design,

properties in a select few gateway cities, we had

which includes the preservation of an original

been focused on London, arguably the most

Grade II-listed façade, central courtyard and

important city in the world for our customer

dome, together with a statement internal

base,” says Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs. “It took

staircase modelled on Milan’s La Scala.

several years to find the right opportunity and

Inside, the new hotel will comprise 110

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Investor: Meyer Bergman Developer: Finchatton Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Architecture: Foster + Partners Executive Architect: EPR Architects Interior Design: AvroKO www.sixsenses.com

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guestrooms and suites, as well as 1,300m2 of

location that would allow us to introduce all of our brand values in an urban context.”

public space centred around a biophilic-inspired

Jacobs continues: “I grew up close to

ground floor with a lobby bar, lounge, and all-

Whiteleys and visited with my parents as a child

day dining restaurant featuring an open kitchen

so there was an emotional connection. It’s a

and seating area in its courtyard.

vibrant area that is continually transforming

On the second floor meanwhile, a Six Senses Spa is set to comprise a central bar and lounge, a

and its new residential community will support the hotel, wellness club and spa, and F&B.”

SUMMER COLLECTION

by Christophe Pillet

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DRAWING BOARD

Mondrian Shoreditch

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Reuben Brothers Developer: Sbe Operator: Accor Interior Design: Goddard Littlefair www.sbe.com

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Goddard Littlefair has revealed details of its

refreshed the interiors to align with the upbeat

design scheme at the forthcoming Mondrian

and individual spirit of Mondrian’s existing

Shoreditch, opening Summer 2021. Taking over

properties. The guestroom refurbishment

The Curtain, the reflag marks the return of the

encapsulates a luxurious, theatrical aesthetic

Mondrian brand to London.

with white brick walls and artwork selections

Owned by Reuben Brothers, developed by

that invite witty appreciation. Typical of the

Sbe and operated by Accor, the 120-key hotel

brand’s design portfolio, the reception and

features a rooftop pool and lounge, a co-

lobby areas feature significant art installations

working space, and private venue and bar

to create a playful and reflective atmosphere.

The Screening Room, where Mondrian will

Elsewhere, the double-height ground floor bar

collaborate with local personalities and brands

showcases large-scale artwork that has been

on artistic pop-ups and live performances to

handpainted onto concrete by Fred Coppin,

highlight the lifestyle approach to hospitality.

while the rooftop bar dressed with striped and

The property’s existing Curtain Members’ Club

festooned shade structures is designed to appeal

will re-open alongside the hotel, while the new

to both guests and locals alike.

European flagship will also be home to tapas

“We are very proud to collaborate with Jamie

restaurant Bibos – Michelin-starred chef Dani

Reuben and his family in bringing the iconic

Garcia’s first UK eatery – as well as all-day café

Mondrian brand back to London,” says Chadi

and cocktail bar Christina’s Shoreditch, and

Farhat, Chief Operating Officer at Sbe. “Our

members-only venue Altitude Rooftop.

team are excited to re-establish Mondrian as

As part of the redesign, Goddard Littlefair has

one of London’s most innovative destinations.”

DRAWING BOARD

One Hundred Shoreditch

As it looks to expand its portfolio in the UK, Lore

“In the guestrooms, emphasis is placed on

Group has announced that its second London

calm and comfort, while the restaurant and

property – One Hundred Shoreditch – will open

bar spaces retain the fun and energy for which

its doors in Autumn 2021.

this part of London is so well known,” reveals

Named after the property’s address, 100

Strauss. “The redesign reflects how Shoreditch

Shoreditch High Street, the hotel will take over

has evolved during the last decade with the

the building once home to Ace Hotel London

interiors mirroring the new grown-up character

following a redesign led by Lore Group Creative

of the neighbourhood.”

Director Jacu Strauss and his team. He explains:

The hotel will also comprise five flexible

“In the case of One Hundred Shoreditch, we

meeting and events spaces suitable for private

wanted to work with elements of the previous

dining, receptions and weddings. The largest

design, and in doing so embrace a sustainable

space, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass,

approach by keeping some features and

will offer views of the city skyline.

enhancing them to elevate the design and create a new guest experience.”

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Lore Group Architecture: Henley Halebrown Interior Design: Jacu Strauss Main Contractor: Red Construction www.onehundredshoreditch.com

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“The opening of our new hotel in Shoreditch reflects the growth and evolution that have

The 258-key hotel will offer a diverse F&B

taken place over the last 15 years in the area,”

line-up comprising a seafood restaurant and

says Lore Group’s Chief Operating Officer David

wine bar, a destination cocktail bar, coffee shop,

Taylor. “We will offer something for everyone

lobby bar, takeaway hatch and a rooftop bar

across our six restaurants and bars and 258

and terrace – forming the largest F&B offering

tranquil bedrooms, all representing consistently

within one hotel in the Shoreditch area.

good value.”

DRAWING BOARD

Raffles London at The OWO

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: The Hinduja Group, Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarollos Operator: Accor Architecture: EPR Architects Interior Design: Thierry Despont Main Contractor: Ardmore Group www.raffles.com

Interior renderings of the Old War Office have

is the perfect location for its debut,” says Marc

been released ahead of its completion in 2022,

Dardenne, COO of Luxury Brands, Europe at

when the landmark will open its doors for the

Accor. “It is our honour to be passed the torch

first time in more than a century. As the home

for the next phase of the building’s history.”

of Raffles’ debut hotel in London, the project

Located opposite Horse Guards on Whitehall,

will incorporate 125 guestrooms and suites; nine

the architectural masterpiece was created as a

restaurants and bars; a spa with a 20-metre

mark of empirical British power and is grand in

indoor pool and separate vitality pool; and a

both size and stature, with ceiling heights and

620-capacity grand ballroom.

full-length windows in the private residences

Since acquiring the Grade II*-listed building

reaching over four metres. Interior proportions

in 2014, The Hinduja Group has worked with

reflect classic Edwardian architecture too,

Historic England and the Museum of London

though have been adapted for modern living.

Archaeology (MOLA) to restore the iconic site

Originally built in 1906, the Old War Office has

to its former glory. The redevelopment is

played host to a number of political and military

being overseen by EPR Architects, while New

leaders throughout its history, including

York-based designer Thierry Despont is taking

Winston Churchill, H. H. Asquith, David Lloyd

the lead on interiors, and 1508 London has

George and John Profumo. It also inspired Ian

envisioned the design for 85 Raffles-branded

Fleming to write the James Bond series after

residences – the first of their kind in Europe.

working for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division

“Raffles has been seeking the right property in London for a number of years and The OWO

and has featured in several 007 films since, as well as The Crown.

© Grain London

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DRAWING BOARD

The Peninsula

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Operator: Peninsula Hotels Architecture: Hopkins Architects, BDP Interior Design: Peter Marino Architect, Archer Humphreys, Henry Leung www.peninsula.com

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The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH) has

of the finest hotels in the world. We hope it

revealed further updates on the status of The

will become a much-loved part of the local

Peninsula London, with façade works complete

community as well as a home from home for

and internal fit-outs ongoing. Overlooking

visitors to London.”

Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch in the

Inspired by Belgravia’s heritage, the

heart of Belgravia, the group’s first UK hotel is

property’s design is based on the Italian

slated to open in 2022, despite constraints on

Renaissance palazzo. To bring this vision to life,

construction during lockdown.

HSN enlisted UK-based firm Hopkins Architects

After obtaining planning permission from

to oversee the exterior, while the interiors are

Westminster City Council in 2015, HSH set

being led by Peter Marino Architect. Archer

out to transform the 1950s and 60s offices at

Humphreys and Henry Leung are also on board

1-5 Grosvenor Place – one of London’s most

for designing the food and beverage outlets.

celebrated addresses – into a 189-key luxury

“Our group’s philosophy is to focus on owning

hotel featuring The Peninsula’s signature

and operating a small number of the highest

lobby, an array of F&B venues, spa and leisure

quality hotels with the objective of creating

facilities, and 24-28 residential apartments.

long-term value,” explains Clement Kwok, CEO

“It has taken us 30 years to find the perfect

and Managing Director at HSH. “The Peninsula

location in London, one of the world’s most

London represents a significant investment for

dynamic cities,” reveals Sir Michael Kardoorie,

our group and we believe it will become a major

HSH Chairman. “It is our vision that The

landmark in Belgravia.”

Peninsula London shall be recognised as one

DRAWING BOARD

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair

Real estate developer Clivedale London has

Hotel guests and residence owners will

unveiled new design details for the branded

both be able to experience the amenities and

residences at the upcoming Mandarin Oriental

services associated with the Mandarin Oriental

Mayfair, slated to open in 2022.

brand. F&B options include a fine-dining

Comprising north and south towers connected

restaurant, a lobby lounge, stylish bar and a

by a glass core, the boutique property – designed

roof terrace overlooking Mayfair. The wellness

by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners – will house

offer meanwhile will include an indoor pool,

80 residential apartments, alongside a fully-

a fitness centre and a spa. Residents will

integrated 50-key hotel featuring a selection of

also have access to an assortment of luxury

F&B venues and wellness facilities.

hotel services including in-residence dining,

Danish-born designer Thomas Juul-Hansen has been tasked with crafting an interior

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Clivedale London Operator: Mandarin Oriental Architecture: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Interior Design: Thomas Juul-Hansen Landscaping: Spacehub Main Contractor: ISG www.mandarinoriental.com

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housekeeping, valet parking and a 24-hour residential concierge.

scheme that complements the architectural

“As a company, we share Mandarin Oriental’s

identity of the building and lets natural light

unwavering commitment to quality and service,

flood in through floor-to-ceiling windows

making this the perfect partnership,” says Tarun

and Juliet balconies. Bespoke fittings have also

Tyagi, CEO of Clivedale London. “Together we

been designed to maximise the potential of the

are setting a new precedent for architecture,

apartments, from folding panelled doors that

design and lifestyle in a world-class location,

conceal the kitchen cabinets, to a custom-made

and we look forward to bringing the best of both

centrepiece of a stone kitchen island that drapes

worlds to our discerning clientele.”

into a dining banquette.

DRAWING BOARD

The Chancery Rosewood

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Developer: Qatari Diar Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Architecture: David Chipperfield Architects Interior Design: Joseph Dirand, Tristan Auer, Bar Studio, Yabu Pushelberg www.rosewoodhotels.com

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Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has confirmed

style detailing, walnut panelling and marble

that its second London property – developed

and brass accents, altogether channelling the

in partnership with real estate investment

ambiance of a traditional British gentlemen’s

firm Qatari Diar – will be named The Chancery

club. Upon completion, The Chancery will

Rosewood, a nod to the historic building within

deliver Rosewood’s residential style through

which it will be housed.

139 guestrooms and suites, alongside revitalised

Set to open in 2024, the 139-key hotel will

public spaces and dining venues designed

occupy the former US Embassy on Grosvenor

by Tristan Auer and Bar Studio. Additional

Square, which was the first purpose-built

amenities include a Yabu Pushelberg-designed

chancery in London. Originally designed by

Asaya integrative wellness facility, five retail

Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen

outlets and a selection of meeting and events

in 1960, the building boasts a Grade II-listed

spaces, including a 750-guest ballroom.

façade and diagrid ceiling that will be retained

“We are proud to have The Chancery

and restored as part of David Chipperfield

Rosewood lead the transformation of the

Architects’ mission to enhance Saarinen’s

revitalised Grosvenor Square, an incredible

original vision of a ‘palace on the park’.

public interest initiative that is nearly a decade

Inside, a design scheme crafted by Joseph

in the making,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO of

Dirand will take inspiration from the

Rosewood Hotel Group. “The gifted team of

sophistication of the 1920s and the creativity and

architects and designers will breathe a second

glamour of the 1960s. Interiors will draw from a

life into the iconic building.”

warm, rich colour palette and feature Art Deco-

4520_JUNG_AZ_LS 1912 Dark_236x275mm_EN_Pfade.indd 1

02.06.21 09:59

DRAWING BOARD

Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Developer: Prime Investors Capital Operator: Hilton Worldwide Architecture: Archer Humphryes Architects, Blair Associates Architecture Interior Design: David Mlinaric, MHZ Structural Engineer: WSP www.admiraltyarch.co.uk

034

The restoration of Admiralty Arch has remained

Steering the refurbishment are 20 British firms

ongoing throughout the pandemic, with the

including Blair Associates, Archer Humphryes

completion of an 18-month piling programme

Architects and interior designer David Mlinaric,

on The Mall and Trafalgar Square crescents in

who is working with Hugh Henry from his

September 2020 advancing the groundworks

former studio, MHZ, to envision a scheme that

to the mass excavation stage and creating

complements the Grade I-listed building and

additional space for a ballroom, pre-function

restore many of its original features, which have

spaces and wellness facilities, which will be

been degraded over the past 100 years.

connected to the building’s original basement.

To showcase the vision of Prime Investors

The existing structure has also been entirely

Capital for the project, Mlinaric and MHZ

soft stripped in preparation for its conversion

recently created a model suite comprising three

into a luxury hotel, private members’ club, and

fully functioning bedrooms and bathrooms, as

serviced residences, with all non-listed loose

well as a large sitting room. When designing

fittings and partition walls removed before final

the interiors and selecting furniture, the team

fit-out works can be carried out ahead of the

partnered with leading British suppliers to fuse

hotel’s grand unveiling in 2023.

modern pieces with antiques, honouring the

Once open, Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria,

landmark’s heritage while giving it a new lease

London will comprise 100 guestrooms and

of life. A particular highlight is an Admiralty

suites, three restaurants and a rooftop bar,

Arch lamp – set to be replicated throughout the

while the wellness offer will include a spa with

hotel’s guestrooms and public spaces – that has

an indoor pool, treatment rooms and a sauna.

been created using designs from the archives.

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DRAWING BOARD

The Other House

Following the acquisition of Harrington Hall

zone and kitchen, together with private

Hotel in South Kensington and the Wellington

dining, bars and a spa with fitness studio for

Block in Covent Garden, The Portfolio Club – a

residents and members. There will also be

joint venture between pension fund APG and

bookable meeting and screening rooms, while

real estate investment advisory London Central

a destination bar and bistro-style kitchen with

Portfolio – has unveiled The Other House, a

seasonal menus will be open to the public.

new lifestyle brand set to open two properties in central London by Spring 2022.

Blurring the lines between hotels, serviced

platform and app. Features include automatic

apartments and private rentals, The Other House

check-in, keyless room entry, remote room

combines home comforts with hotel-style

controls, fingertip access to services, as well as

facilities, positioning itself as a second home –

booking and ordering at any of its restaurants,

or ‘other house’ – for its guests, whether they

bars and other amenities.

are staying one night or one month.

says founder and CEO Naomi Heaton. “It’s a

led by co-founder and Creative Director Marie

fantastic destination with enduring excitement

Soliman, has been appointed to design both

and appeal, benefitting from rich culture, first-

properties and will work alongside architects

class educational facilities and a universal

Falconer Chester Hall to bring them to life.

business language. There is no better place to

200 ‘Club Flats’ featuring a living area, sleeping

036

“London has always been in my DNA,”

London-based studio Bergman Interiors,

Each development is set to comprise around

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: London Central Portfolio, APG Operator: The Other House Architecture: Falconer Chester Hall Interior Design: Bergman Interiors www.otherhouse.com

The brand will connect its guests with ondemand services through the club’s bespoke tech

launch a global brand and with our experience of the market, it was the obvious choice.”

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1.

1. The Londoner

From a restored Georgian terrace to the world’s first ‘super boutique’ hotel, here’s the best of the rest opening in the capital this year and beyond.

038

Dubbed the UK’s deepest hotel, with the lowest of its 16 storeys some 30 metres below ground, The Londoner will land in Leicester Square this September with 350 guestrooms, suites and a penthouse in tow, as well as a subterranean spa and six F&B outlets – including bars and a tavern, al fresco dining and a Japanese lounge with a rooftop terrace and fire pit.

Boasting architecture by Woods Bagot, artworks from Ian Monroe, and interiors by Yabu Pushelberg that speak to the backdrop and approximation of the city’s cinema district, the ‘super boutique’ from Edwardian Hotels London (EHL) will also cater to the events sector, housing a 6,092ft2 pillarless ballroom that accommodates up to 864 guests, seven adaptable meeting rooms connected by a spacious foyer, and two private screening rooms powered by Odeon-Luxe technology.

Combining impressive scale with boutique sensibility, the 50-by-50-metre development has undergone several iterations during its seven-year, £300 million journey to becoming a vertical resort, which will see all of its spaces centred around a vertical spine that allows each to act independently or together as a whole.

“The Londoner is essentially two buildings intertwined – with the interplay between them creating a dynamic guest experience,” explains Rob Steul, Creative Director at EHL. The property is being fitted out by EE Smith at a contract value in excess of £40 million, the largest in the firm’s history. Together with producing bespoke joinery and architectural metalwork in-house, the contractor has sourced tiles from Japan as well as Italian lava stone from pre-erupted volcanoes in Sicily – the latter carved into singular blocks for guestroom sinks.

DRAWING BOARD

2.

3.

4.

2. Pan Pacific London

3. Sun Street Hotel

4. Amano Covent Garden

Pan Pacific Hotels Group has pulled out all the stops for its first flag in Europe, opening in September. Fronted by PLP Architecture, the hotel will comprise interiors by Yabu Pushelberg and a destination bar by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, while the F&B team will be helmed by celebrated chefs Lorraine Sinclair and Cherish Finden. Amongst the facilities on offer are 237 guestrooms, two restaurants and bars, and a 1,083m² wellbeing floor featuring an 18-metre infinity pool, as well as a public plaza, two floors of flexible meeting rooms and event spaces, and the largest ballroom in the square mile accommodating up to 400 people.

Set within a restored Georgian terrace in the heart of the city, Sun Street Hotel will mark Bespoke Hotels’ biggest investment in London to-date when it arrives this Autumn.

Spread across six five-storey townhouses, the property was originally designed by English architect George Dance the Younger in the early 19th century and will feature refined interiors by Marylebone-based consultancy Bowler James Brindley. Guests can expect 41 guestrooms – including seven suites – and a 114-cover fine-dining restaurant and bar, together with a private members’ club and a communal courtyard.

Amano Group has revealed details for its first UK outpost, debuting in Covent Garden in early 2022. The boutique property on Drury Lane is being converted from a 1980s office building, with Manex Properties – a joint venture between the German hoteliers and investment firm Excellion Capital – overseeing the development and Woods Bagot leading the architecture and interior design. Once complete, Amano Covent Garden will comprise 141 guestrooms set across six floors, a rooftop bar and terrace offering panoramic views over London, and a new lounge bar in the basement.

Owner: UOL Group Developer: Stanhope Architecture: PLP Architecture, MSMR Architects Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg, Tom Dixon

Operator: Bespoke Hotels Interior Design: Bowler James Brindley

Owner: Leumi International Developer: Manex Properties Architecture and Interior Design: Woods Bagot

039

DRAWING BOARD

6.

5.

040

7.

5. Ruby London Southwark

6. Chateau Denmark

7. Hyatt Regency Olympia

Munich-based operator Ruby Hotels will launch its fourth London property in Southwark in 2024. Bringing its room count in the capital to 571, the 169-key hotel will follow Ruby’s ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy – a central location, high-quality fittings and a unique design, all at an affordable price – and house a 24-hour bar, café and lounge on the ground floor for residents and locals. “We take a long-term view with our location decisions,” says Ruby’s CEO Michael Struck. “London in our view will remain one of the most attractive hotel markets overall and offers particular potential for growth in the segment of affordable luxury that we address.”

Arriving in Q3, Chateau Denmark is inspired by its location on Denmark Street – often referred to as the birthplace of the British music scene. A collaboration between Outernet Global and Carrie Wicks’ CAW Ventures, the 55-key aparthotel will balance architectural detail, rich cultural heritage and modern craftsmanship, with affectionately nicknamed ‘session rooms’ spread across 16 characterful buildings, many of which have been restored to reflect their original status.

Inside, interiors by London-based Taylor Howes invoke a time where punk, rock and gothic meets grandeur and psychedelia.

Set to open in 2024, Hyatt Regency Olympia will form part of a wider scheme transforming one of London’s most historic exhibition centres into an integrated convention, entertainment and cultural district.

Twenty2Degrees has been appointed to design the hotel’s interiors, which will combine subtle Art Deco references with the refined and contemporary elements that are synonymous with the Hyatt Regency brand. Guests can expect 196 guestrooms, a restaurant and lobby lounge with bar and market area, as well as meeting rooms directly connected to the existing halls.

Developer: Endurance Land Operator: Ruby Hotels

Developer: CAW Ventures Operator: Outernet Global Interior Design: Taylor Howes

Owner: Yoo Capital, Deutsche Finance International Operator: Hyatt Interior Design: Twenty2Degrees

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THE FINISH COMPLETES THE DESIGN

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GERMAN HOSPITALITY TRADITION Since 1985

www.aliseo.de

A Market in Flux As London emerges from lockdown, the hard-hit hospitality sector reviews performance, profit and pipeline in the hope of a post-pandemic rebound.

Words: Catherine Martin

W

042

hen a little-known virus

A VALUABLE ASSET

“Getting our world-leading hospitality industry

began its spread across a

With its shopping, sporting events and world-

back on its feet will be vital for London, but also

far-flung city in China, the

class tourist attractions, London has long been

the UK’s economic recovery as we emerge from

rest of the world could be

on the bucket list for travellers. From heritage

lockdown,” Khan said in a statement regarding

forgiven for passing over

sites and royal connections to some of the most-

staff shortages.

the news item with little

visited museums and galleries in the world,

UKHospitality has been vocal on the impact

concern for their everyday life. Back in the

the UK capital has plenty to offer the leisure

the pandemic has had on business too, and has

early part of 2020, no-one could have predicted

traveller, while exhibitions and conferences

been busy producing guidelines and FAQs to

the impact that SAR-CoV-2 – now commonly

cement its place as a hub for global business.

help those struggling to navigate the changing

known as Coronavirus – would have. Not in

In 2019, London welcomed a record-breaking

regulations. CEO Kate Nicholls was hugely

living memory has there been such a deadly,

21.7 million inbound visitors, accounting for

disappointed at the recent delay to easing

disruptive turn of events.

53% of all visits to the UK. Tourist spending

restrictions, stating: “The hospitality sector

Away from the devastating cost to human life

also hit a new high with accommodation and

has already lost more than £87bn in sales in

and the personal challenges so many have faced,

dining amongst those benefitting. As such, the

the pandemic leaving businesses deeply in debt

the impact on business has been far-reaching.

value of the sector to the economy shouldn’t be

and at risk of suffering economic long-Covid

The hospitality sector has been particularly hard

underestimated. According to UKHospitality – a

without further support. Hospitality is desperate

hit. In fact, it’s been catastrophic. In the UK,

trade body that represents independent hotels

to get back to what it does best and can play a

lockdown after lockdown has seen businesses

and large multi-national groups as well as

key role in the economic recovery of the UK.”

encourage working from home, dramatically

bars, restaurants and visitor attractions – the

reducing footfall in major cities and therefore

wider sector has a £130bn turnover representing

POOR PERFORMANCE

demand for high street dining; mixing with

5% of GDP – a greater contribution than the

Steady growth in tourist arrivals over the past

others was banned, causing bar and restaurant

automotive, pharmaceutical and aeronautic

decade has been the driving force behind new

bookings to plummet; and holidays have been

sectors combined. It is also the UK’s third

hotel development in London, and despite an

cancelled, forcing hotels to scale back services

largest employer with 3.2 million workers –

increase in supply, the city has historically

or close their doors altogether. It came as no

that’s 9% of the total workforce.

performed well in terms of the key performance

surprise then when analysts and hoteliers

These figures, coupled with the fall in

indicators. According to data from STR,

declared 2020 the worst in living history. What

spending, has prompted action from Mayor

occupancy has stayed above 80% for the past

should have been a record year for performance

of London Sadiq Khan, who has pledged to

decade, peaking at 83.4% in 2019, while RevPAR

and new supply, became record-breaking for a

use all the powers at his disposal to tackle the

averaged £115.99, again recording its highest

very different reason.

challenges facing the city’s hospitality industry.

rate (£128.44) in 2019.

A MARKET IN FLUX

“The hospitality sector has already lost more than £87bn in sales in the pandemic leaving businesses deeply in debt and at risk of suffering economic long-Covid without further support.

Hospitality is desperate to get back to what it does best and can play a key role in the economic recovery of the UK.” KATE NICHOLLS, UKHOSPITALITY

But in 2020, with the pandemic in full swing,

With hotels generally being a 24/7, 365-days-

than 10,000 hotels and 1.7 million guestrooms

numbers tumbled dramatically across the board.

a-year operation, this was unprecedented, and

worldwide. In May 2020, the firm reported that

Findings from the Office for National Statistics

even when government-enforced regulations

the virtual shutdown of operations translated

make for bleak reading. Monthly air passenger

eased, there was no standardised solution

to a 115.7% year-on-year fall in GOPPAR to a

arrivals to the UK fell from 6.8 million in

for getting back to business. Those fortunate

record low of -£10.94. The opening months of

February 2020 to 112,300 in April 2020, a fall of

enough to have outdoor space have been able

2021 haven’t fared much better, with March

98.3%, while accommodation and travel agency

to operate socially-distanced dining while

GOPPAR stuck in negative territory at €-8.45

businesses saw sharp declines in turnover,

guesthouses and B&Bs have pivoted to private

for Europe as a whole.

falling to less than 10% of their previous levels.

rental. Some have supported NHS workers or

Hotel performance took a hit too, particularly

vulnerable people while others have closed their

DOING DEALS

in London, which has seen a greater fall in

doors temporarily, the cost of operating a hotel

Hotel performance hasn’t been the only thing

occupancy than any other UK region. STR

with only a handful of guests not stacking up.

to suffer; 2020 was a slow year for M&A activity

data shows that, in one of its worst months,

In its annual Profit Matters performance

too with European transaction volume down by

the capital recorded just 20.4% occupancy in

review for 2020, HotStats reported that hoteliers

69%. According to the annual European Hotel

July 2020, down from 90.2% in July 2019. For

were running a break-even analysis – an

Transactions 2020 report published by HVS and

the same period, RevPAR tumbled to an eye-

exercise that shows what hotel occupancy needs

its brokerage and investment services division

wateringly low £17.14, down from £157.49 the

to be achieved in order to be profit-neutral –

HVS Hodges Ward Elliott, hotel transaction

year prior.

to determine the best course of action. “The

volume reached €8.5bn last year compared

There was nominal growth in August,

analysis showed that hotels managed to break

to a record €27.1bn-worth of deals in 2019.

September and October due to temporary easing

even at a 35% occupancy on average prior to

Despite the drop-off, 2020 figures remain

of restrictions, but London’s poor performance

the pandemic, but after, with cost reductions in

significantly ahead of those seen in the global

has continued into 2021 due to slow recovery in

effect, the break-even point has been lowered,”

financial crisis, with 2009 seeing only €3.1bn

domestic business trips and the leisure traveller

the report explains. “There are two main factors

in transactions. According to HVS data, the UK

favouring coastal and countryside destinations

that impacted the break-even levels in various

retained its position at the top of the European

over the city.

global regions: the ability to strip out the costs

table, recording £1.8bn-worth of transactions,

and the level of government support.”

of which £1.4bn were London-based. In fact,

PROFIT MATTERS

Taking into account both fixed and variable

London posted the highest investment volume

On a number of occasions over the past 18

costs, HotStats also tracks the GOPPAR (gross

of any city in Europe, the most notable deal

months, hoteliers have been faced with the

operating profit per available room) of the

being that of The Ritz in Mayfair, which was

difficult decision of whether to open or close.

hospitality sector, collecting data from more

acquired by Qatari tycoon Abdulhadi Mana Al-

043

A MARKET IN FLUX

“The full impact of the pandemic is expected to affect the transaction market later this year with an increase in distressed debt and opportunistic investment ahead of a gradual market recovery.”

SHAFFER PATRICK, HVS

044

Hajri for a sum thought to be in the region of

POST-PANDEMIC REBOUND

domestic daytrippers and overnight stays and

£800 million, making it the highest price-per-

With the UK’s vaccination programme making

also aims to encourage businesses to bring their

room transaction ever recorded. The iconic

good progress – over 85% of adults have received

events, conferences and meetings to London to

property is expected to undergo significant

their first dose – there’s finally some early signs

help protect jobs in the hospitality industry.

renovation over the coming years.

of movement in the market. In England, indoor

The government is also playing its part with

Of the UK’s 35 transactions recorded by

hospitality spaces were allowed to reopen on 17

the recent unveiling of its Tourism Recovery

HVS, almost all were single asset deals. Other

May, resulting in a significant rise in restaurant

Plan. In the short-term, the objective is for a

deals worth a mention are Vivion Capital’s

and bar bookings. Early reports show increased

swift recovery back to 2019 levels of tourism

acquisition of the Sanderson and St Martin’s

demand for overnight stays too, with the UK’s

volume and visitor expenditure, with the action

Lane hotels, and the sale of The Zetter Group

rural and seaside locations more popular than

points being reopening safely taking a scientific

to Orca Holding, a specialist hospitality investor

crowded cities.

and evidence-based approach; supporting

owned by Laith Pharaon. The sale includes the

London however is still struggling due to

businesses across the sector; and stimulating

original Zetter hotel in Clerkenwell as well as

limited business travel and a lack of international

demand, particularly in gateway cities such as

the Zetter Townhouse brand, which they plan to

tourists, and the amount of new supply coming

London that rely on inbound visitors. Longer

retain and grow in London and beyond.

to the market as evidenced in this issue of Sleeper

term, the aim is to recover annual domestic

Although 2021 was off to a slow start, HVS

could well impact occupancy, though figures are

overnight trip volume to 99 million and spend to

expects that the second half of the year will

likely to be balanced by the number of properties

£19 billion by the end of 2022, and for inbound

begin to show signs of transaction volume

that have closed their doors permanently. While

visitor volume to return to 41 million and spend

recovery. “The full impact of the pandemic

a handful of hotels did open as planned in 2020,

to return to £28 billion by the end of 2023.

is expected to affect the transaction market

the majority were delayed to 2021, with May’s

The initiative has been welcomed by business

later this year with an increase in distressed

easing of restrictions marking D-day for a flurry

leaders, some of whom feel the sector has been

debt and opportunistic investment ahead of a

of new ventures. It is hoped that the newcomers

short-changed in the handling of the pandemic.

gradual market recovery,” comments Shaffer

– helped along by pent-up demand and chaos

“We are delighted to see the government

Patrick, Associate, HVS Hodges Ward Elliott.

surrounding travel abroad – will create a buzz

recognising the key role hospitality and tourism

“However, the majority of volume recovery is

around holidaying in the capital, and a number

plays in the UK with this new plan,” explains

expected in 2022 as immunisation programmes

of initiatives have launched in support. Hotel

UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls. “The people and

are completed and the leisure and corporate

Week London for example took place in early

businesses in these sectors will be the power

travel sectors start to recover.”

June and saw 45 of the city’s venues – including

driving the UK’s recovery, in levelling-up, and

Real estate consultancy Knight Frank believes

45 Park Lane, Browns, Kimpton Fitzroy and

in building back better as we emerge from the

that the UK, and London in particular, will

The Standard – offer discounted room rates

pandemic. The sector is a huge employer of

continue to attract strong demand for hotel

and value-added packages. London & Partners

people and investor in local communities and

investment once the pandemic eases, while JLL

meanwhile has joined forces with the Mayor

will pay forward any support it is given.”

anticipates private equity groups and high-net-

of London to launch a campaign developed

worth individuals will be most active through

to drive consumer spend and footfall across

SIGNS OF RECOVERY

2021, with both looking to acquire the distressed

London’s tourism, retail, hospitality and

Without wanting to downplay the impact of

assets expected to come to the market.

cultural sectors. Supported by Marriott and

the pandemic, there are some reasons for

Hilton, Let’s Do London is targeting locals,

optimism. Thanks to the successful roll-out

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A MARKET IN FLUX

“Within the space of two-to-three weeks following the official opening of hotels to both leisure and business, occupancies for open hotels – so that’s excluding temporary closures – bounced to 65% for the UK as a whole, which is really quite spectacular.”

ROBIN ROSSMANN, STR

of the vaccination programme, economists are

20-30% during May, improving slightly into

now believe that disruption will last until at

predicting a quicker, stronger recovery than

June,” explained Managing Director Robin

least 2023. Sentiment on pace of recovery has

first feared. The Organisation for Economic

Rossmann to the virtual audience. “But there’s

also shifted further, with 90% believing that

Co-operation & Development for example has

one exception – the UK,” he continued. “Within

performance will not return to pre-Covid-19

upgraded its outlook for the year, with UK GDP

the space of teo-to-three weeks following the

levels until at least 2023; more than half (52%)

now forecast to grow by 7.2% in 2021, the fastest

official opening of hotels to both leisure and

expect 2023 to be the year of recovery, while

rate since World War II. Projections for 2022 are

business, occupancies for open hotels – so

38% forecast it to be 2024 and beyond.

also healthy with the figures showing 5.5% GDP

that’s excluding temporary closures – bounced

growth, revised from 4.7% three months ago.

to 65% for the UK as a whole, which is really

THE FUTURE

quite spectacular.”

So the question on everyone’s lips: what does

EY has upgraded its growth predictions too, and believes that the UK is well-placed for

Breaking down the data does show that

the future hold for the hospitality industry in

recovery; according to a report published in

regional UK occupancy (60%) is far stronger

London? It’s a mixed bag, that’s for sure, and

April, it expects the UK economy to return to

than in London (35%), with the latter more

there’s no quick-fix for a return to business

pre-2020 levels in the second quarter of 2022,

reliant on business and international travellers.

once all restrictions are lifted. In spite of the

six months earlier than previously forecast.

An optimistic Rossmann went on to say that

successful vaccination programme in the UK,

KPMG meanwhile is forecasting 6.6% UK GDP

he expects UK occupancy to stabilise at around

it’s looking increasingly likely that Covid-19

growth for 2021 and expects a robust recovery

50% before recovering further into the summer

is here to stay, becoming a seasonal illness,

ahead. Its latest Economic Outlook report,

months, adding that business on the books is

much like flu. For hotels, it could mean that the

published in June, does however warn that

underpinned by weekend leisure travel, though

temporary measures and enhanced health and

recovery will vary by region and by sector.

regional UK is set to outperform London by 10-

safety protocols will become part of daily life,

The good news for businesses in London is

20 percentage points.

and the coming months will see everything from

that analysts expect stronger growth in the

046

the technology to the size of the guestroom put

capital, outperforming the national average by

HOSPITALITY INSIGHT

2.2 percentage points. There’s also hope for

With the data beginning to show signs of

with the challenge of creating spaces that are

the hospitality sector, with KPMG predicting a

recovery in the short-term, questions are

both safe and aesthetically pleasing, while

busy summer for restaurants, bars and hotels,

again being asked about the sector’s long-

operators have a major task on their hands in

as measured by forward bookings. In fact, a

term prospects. In order to gauge sentiment,

instilling customer confidence and rebuilding

closer look at the forecast by sector shows that

Deloitte has conducted a number of surveys

their front- and back-of-house teams as a staff

GVA growth for hotels is greater than any of the

over the past 12 months, asking senior figures

shortage looms. On the upside, pent-up demand

other 60 sectors listed.

in international hospitality their views. The

and a rebound of consumption will continue to

The data is pointing in the right direction too.

most recent survey, dated March 2021, found

push performance in the right direction, and

In its latest webinar, STR presented data for the

that sentiment towards disruption and recovery

longer-term, London’s appeal amongst owners

first week of June, revealing that occupancy saw

has shifted longer term. Of the 101 respondents,

and operators – and of course the overnight

a dramatic improvement owing to the mid-term

65% of whom operate from the UK, the majority

guest – is unlikely to fade.

school holidays. “When we look across Europe,

(71%) expect disruption to last beyond 2021, a

we can see major countries really still bouncing

marked increase from the findings of the October

Don’t just take our word for it; the following pages

along the bottom, averaging occupancies of

2020 survey (59%). A quarter of respondents

feature insight from London’s leading operators.

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Cause for Optimism Surges in bookings and the return of Mondrian to the capital ensure Accor is well positioned for a summer recovery.

How have your London hotels performed over the past

bars, restaurants, wellness, exploration and people.

12 months?

It is a sector that is much-loved and now there are

It is news to nobody that the past year has been a

opportunities to be part of it as we rebuild.

© Matt Writtle

difficult period for all businesses, particularly those in the hospitality sector. Accor has had to be adaptable,

When do you think the hotel market will return to 2019

innovative and resilient, taking measures to ensure that

performance levels?

we are able to operate effectively and safely in these

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world

circumstances.

and there has never been a better time to visit. Our diverse and exciting collection of London hotels from

Aiden McCauley Senior Vice President Operations, Northern Europe Accor Hotels open in London: 65 Hotels in the pipeline in London: Mondrian Shoreditch; Ibis Styles London Seven Kings; Ibis Sutton Point; Adagio Sutton Point

Now that London is open for business, how are

all corners of the capital offer guests a taste of London’s

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

vibrancy – its art, culture, architecture, music and

Following government announcements there were

diversity. We are confident that travel, particularly

immediate surges in bookings. While we have seen that

leisure travel, will rebound strongly and quickly once

the London hotel market has been badly affected by the

restrictions are lifted.

pandemic, Accor has put measures in place so we feel we are well positioned for a summer recovery. People

And what of business travel?

want to travel. London is very much open and guests

We anticipate that business travel is likely to look

returning to the city will find our hotels and teams more

different in the future and be somewhat impacted,

energised than ever. We feel there is cause for optimism

although certainly not disappear. The pandemic has led

for the remainder of 2021.

many companies and workers to shift to remote work and digital meeting tools almost overnight, accelerating

What measures have you put in place to help drive

the longer term transformations in the ways we work.

future growth?

However, digital tools do not replace the importance

While the past year has taught us not to be surprised

of in-person meetings, particularly for those working

by anything, we believe that the actions we have taken

in sales; in fact our recent research reveals workers

and continue to take put us in a good position. The

expect to make 25% more in revenue when able to

early launch and global implementation of Accor’s All

communicate with clients face-to-face again.

Safe label is testament to our commitment to ensuring our guests and hotel teams enjoy the very best hygiene,

What’s next for Accor in London?

cleanliness and safety measures in the industry as well

We are particularly excited about the return of

as ensuring that our hotels can continue to operate.

Mondrian, which will open its doors this summer following a complete redesign by Goddard Littlefair.

What major challenges are you facing over the coming

London has been, and will continue to be a thriving hub

12 months?

for our lifestyle offerings, so we are looking forward

One major area that has been of concern across the

to re-establishing the Mondrian brand in the city. In

industry has been recruitment. With Brexit and

total, Accor has more than 60 hotels in Greater London,

Covid-19 making the employment of EU nationals

spanning the full spectrum of our diverse brand

more of a challenge, staffing has been a major talking

portfolio, from budget and economy through to some

point. The industry has been damaged by Covid but

of the best luxury and lifestyle hotels in the world. The

it is recovering, reopening and creating jobs as it has

city remains a priority market.

always done. Hospitality embodies everything that people have missed the most over the last year – travel,

048

Exceeding Expectation With demand for self-contained studios greater than ever, Locke is proving resilient.

How have your London hotels performed over the past 12 months?

Our hotels have performed well. In fact, since March 2020 we have opened three new London properties in Locke at Broken Wharf, Bermonds Locke and, most recently, Kingsland Locke in Dalston. After launching in September, the occupancy level at Bermonds Locke has outperformed even our most optimistic expectations.

Now that London is open for business, how are bookings for the remainder of 2021?

The booking window for travel remains much shorter than pre-pandemic, however occupancy is looking exceptionally strong with summer staycations firmly on traveller’s agendas. Year-to-date we’ve achieved 70% occupancy, with some locations topping 2019, while London is performing particularly well at weekends.

In terms of performance, what challenges are you Which part of the business is performing the best -

facing over the coming 12 months?

rooms, F&B or co-working?

One big challenge is going to be the moving target

We’re still operating at reduced capacities in our

that is international travel and restrictions. Whilst we

restaurants and co-working spaces, so it’s difficult to

know that the hospitality sector is itching to go back

compare, but our studio apartments are performing

to full throttle, navigating changing guidance and the

positively – demand for self-contained, flexible

reopening of different territories will be an obstacle,

accommodation has never been higher. As restrictions

and we anticipate a level of unpredictability will persist

lift, we hope that bookings will bounce back at our

for at least the next 12 months.

partner’s food and drink spaces – it looks promising.

The Locke brand is known for its neighbourhood Are aparthotels better positioned for recovery due to

focus, what do you look for in a potential site?

their self-contained nature?

Our preference is to find the ‘next’ place to be and

The self-contained nature of aparthotels has put them

support its development as a destination by placing

back in the limelight during the pandemic, and at

a Locke at the core of it and working with up-and-

certain points offered a significantly greater appeal

coming local partners to animate the experience. This

than traditional hotels. During the recovery period

acquisition also aligns with the demographic and

however, we believe what will benefit us the most is

psychographic of Locke’s end consumer – travellers that

that short-term and leisure travellers are now more

are culturally connected, creative and most attracted to

readily considering this as an option, when they might

emerging urban locations. We find that by embedding

not have before. The convenience, flexibility and pricing

a Locke in the fabric of a neighbourhood, it challenges

that aparthotels offer is likely to fuel the sector’s

us to be more creative, innovative and receptive to

recovery and expansion. What is special about Locke

the surrounding area, ultimately resulting in a more

is that these advantages are combined with locally led

inviting location for locals and travellers alike.

programming, disruptive F&B and a unique design.

Eric Jafari Creative Director / Chief Development Officer – Locke Hotels open in London: 4 Hotels in the pipeline in London: Buckle Street Studios (October 2021)

049

Strategy to Grow Authentic connections are more important than ever for Hyatt, as the group pushes ahead with plans to double its UK footprint.

Now that London is open for business, how are

teams are happy and we continue to attract a strong

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

and diverse pool of talent.

The signs are positive that we are already on the road

Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry Managing Director, UK and Ireland – Hyatt Hotels open in London: 6 Hotels in the pipeline in London: 2 – Park Hyatt River Thames (2023); Hyatt Regency Olympia (2024)

to recovery. There’s no question that the last year has

When do you think the hotel market will return to

been extremely challenging, but the pandemic has

2019 performance levels?

demonstrated the agility and resilience of our London

The hospitality industry has proven time and time

hotel portfolio and we are confident in the industry’s

again to be resilient and is invariably one of the first to

ability to bounce back. Our F&B outlets across the city

bounce back. At Hyatt we have great confidence in the

exceeded our expectations upon reopening – a clear

future of the sector, which we also see playing a key

sign of consumer demand; these results give us cause

role in revitalising jobs, broader economic growth and

for optimism for the future.

local communities. In terms of recovery versus 2019, we’re optimistic that the hotel market will return to

Where is this demand coming from?

pre-pandemic performance levels by 2024. However,

Since restrictions eased across the country we have

this recovery will be hugely dependent on the easing of

seen searches for staycations in London rise by 38%.

international travel restrictions.

In particular, we are seeing increased demand from families looking to reconnect with each other, and so

Which of your brands would you like to introduce

have launched packages that cater to this. Recognising

to London?

and responding to travel demands like this will be key

Our Independent Collection brands – The Unbound

to the recovery and growth of our sector.

Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt – represent strong growth opportunities and

What challenges are you facing?

we would like to extend their presence further across

Recovery for the sector will take time and one of the

the UK, including London. These brands feature

key challenges will be instilling consumer confidence.

a selection of unique hotels, each with their own

We have a real opportunity to be creative and smart

individual identity and story to tell. We know that

in how we use our hotel spaces and welcome both

guests are seeking out memorable experiences more

travellers and local communities through our doors.

than ever, and independents are ideally placed to cater

Another important factor is rehiring colleagues, with

to this. We want to use our expertise to help owners

many employers in the hospitality sector struggling to

of independent hotels flourish, by celebrating what

recruit post-pandemic. Changes to immigration policy,

makes their property unique, with access to commercial

which restrict EU workers being able to come and work

resources, distribution network and our worldwide

easily in London, will add another layer of complexity.

loyalty programme.

One of the things that fare us well as a business is our purpose, to care for people so they can be their best. For

Has the pandemic affected plans for growth?

us, delivering high-quality service is key, but delivering

Our strategy to grow remains unchanged with a strong

high-quality care is essential. Bricks and mortar are

pipeline of openings and developments. Over the last six

easily copied, but human traits are not – and these

months we’ve announced plans for two new properties

personal, authentic connections are more important

in the UK capital, which form an important part of our

than ever against the backdrop of the pandemic. It’s

strategy to double our UK footprint.

what will help us overcome these ongoing challenges in the coming year – enabling us to provide great experiences for our guests, while also ensuring our

050

A Positive Impact Having historically grown market share during a downturn, IHG hopes to do the same again.

How have your London hotels performed over the

we’ve been working hard to do everything we can to

past 12 months?

ensure our guests feel confident, safe and reassured

It’s no secret that 2020 was the most challenging

when they stay with us. Clearly their expectations will

year in history for our business and industry, and the

have changed, but so will their experience, given the

situation in London has been very similar to what

government health and safety measures, as well as our

we’ve seen across different markets in Europe, where

own enhanced IHG Way of Clean. We will comply with

trading conditions are challenging due to government-

whatever is necessary to ensure a safe experience for all

mandated travel restrictions. London also has a higher

of our guests – this is our top priority – but this often

weighting towards international demand, so occupancies

requires an operational pivot, creating a different way

have been low, but we are seeing incremental month-

of working for our hotel teams. By putting ourselves in

by-month improvement and expect things to pick up

the shoes of our guests and teams, and maintaining a

as restrictions continue to ease. Over the last year,

confident and customer-centric view, this will allow us

there have been opportunities for our hotels to step

to really support our hotels to adapt and meet any new

up in different ways too. Many of our hotels were

expectations and provide the right experience.

able to support government-led programmes, which includes some of our hotels being used as vaccination

When do you think the hotel market will return to

centres, while others are providing accommodation for

2019 performance levels?

isolation and quarantine. Having a positive impact on

There are so many variables when it comes to

our communities is at the forefront of our purpose to

performance returning, from new variants and potential

provide ‘True Hospitality for Good’ and caring for our

lockdowns, to border restrictions and the vaccine rollout

communities and the world around us.

– in some ways, it’s a bit like the ‘how long is a piece

Karin Sheppard Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe IHG Hotels open in London: 66 Hotels in the pipeline in London: 3 – including Hotel Indigo Clerkenwell (2021); Six Senses (2023)

of string’ question. The difference is that we know that Now that London is open for business, how are

travel is a vast part of normal life, and people’s desire to

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

explore the world, relax or reconnect with friends and

Clearly there is pent-up demand among consumers

family hasn’t changed. The data shows us the demand

wanting to get away again – it’s mainly domestic at the

is very much there, and we are confident that it will

moment. This is reflected across the UK more broadly;

return. And so, as vaccines roll-out, as we learn more

we are beginning to see strong domestic demand

about the virus, and as consumer confidence returns,

throughout the course of the school summer holidays,

the prospect of travelling freely and safely comes closer

short-haul weekend breaks and special celebratory

for everyone.

occasions. A broader trend we’ve seen is that the moment that restriction measures are eased, we have

What’s next for IHG in London?

seen increases in web searches and bookings. We know

On the whole, the UK offers outstanding opportunities

that a full recovery will be a longer-term, continuous

to maintain and increase scale, which is why we

process, but I take great hope from the trends and data

continue to target growth – including in gateway cities

we’ve seen so far.

like London – in a big way. Our ability to continue investing in our brands, technology and loyalty offer

What challenges are you facing?

has meant we’ve historically grown market share

We know that the hospitality industry in major cities

during a downturn, and we hope to do the same again.

depends highly on international tourism and so, we’re undoubtedly looking forward to having visitors back from overseas. As we see domestic leisure travel return,

051

Picking Up Pace

© Jeroen C. van Zijp

As travellers take their first steps back into the city, CitizenM believes it’s the perfect time to expand.

Matthew Bell Chief Hotel Operations Officer CitizenM Hotels open in London: 3 Hotels in the pipeline in London: 2 – CitizenM London Victoria Station (2022); CitizenM London Olympia (2023)

How has CitizenM performed over the past 12 months?

Do you feel your ‘Affordable Luxury’ philosophy will

London has so many hotels that it does rely on

serve you well in the current climate?

international business to start creating significant

CitizenM was founded in 2008 with an idea to disrupt

demand. The city doesn’t see as much local demand

the traditional hotel industry by creating a brand for

in general, so while leisure travel is picking up, hotels

the modern traveller – one which values a luxury hotel

aren’t quite filling up yet. Leisure travel is gathering

experience in prime city locations but at an affordable

momentum and we have noticed spikes in occupancy

price. We have remained true to this ethos 20-plus

over the weekends as the year progresses. However,

hotels later and believe that it is something that still

business travel on weekdays is still quieter than before,

resonates with travellers today. CitizenM continues

when we operated at a consistently high occupancy rate

to push itself to offer travellers innovative services

across all our properties in London and beyond.

to optimise their stay with us. For example, in July 2020, we were the first hospitality company to offer

Now that London is open for business, how are

contactless stays at all our hotels via our groundbreaking

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

debut app. Guests can check-in, check-out, open doors,

With the easing of restrictions, we have seen an uptick

order food, control the room ambience and pay while

in business, most notably on weekends. However, as we

touching nothing but their own smartphone.

enter the summer months and with international travel into the UK still restricted from all but a handful of

You have two properties in the pipeline, why is now a

countries, occupancies are still suppressed. We remain

good time for CitizenM to further expand in London?

optimistic that come September we will start to see

As an owner-operator, we seek to benefit from the

more sustained demand, with an increase in corporate

cyclical nature of the real estate and construction

and international travel. We also believe that our core

market. Establishing critical mass in any given city

value proposition is more relevant than ever to travellers

is part of our broader roll-out strategy and London

starting to take the first steps back into cities. What we

is a market we are confident can support multiple

have seen in our New York hotels, where business has

CitizenM properties. The opportunity to expand our

come back pretty quickly, gives us genuine confidence.

presence further west, in prime locations seeing significant investment and regeneration, ensures we

What challenges are you facing?

can complement our existing hotels, leveraging our

The future of business travel is something we are

knowledge of the London market and the resources

tracking, informed by the prevalence of flexible and

dedicated to this. The quality of our proposition and

home working and video conferencing over the last

strong levels of brand advocacy, coupled with our lean

year. However, we do believe there will always be a place

operating model – using technology to complement

for face-to-face, and we have ensured that our hotels

genuine human connections between our ambassadors

are optimised to offer safe spaces for professionals to

and guests – brings a certain competitive advantage,

meet. And, for those who are no longer tethered to one

especially in times of suppressed demand. With our

office, we have created a number of initiatives across

confidence in the medium- to long-term London

our hotels worldwide, including Global Passport by

market, this is a perfect time to be expanding further.

CitizenM – a fixed-rate stay option for digital nomads who want to work, live and travel from anywhere in the world – and a sleep-work-meet package for companies with remote workers who travel regularly or distributed teams who need or want to gather consistently.

052

Coming Back Stronger With seven hotels in its London pipeline, Hilton Worldwide is building for the future.

How have your London hotels been performing?

It’s been the toughest year ever for our industry as we navigated through an unprecedented standstill in global travel. As the domestic restrictions have lifted we’ve been delighted to start welcoming guests back to our London hotels; we’ve seen pent-up demand for stays in the capital and we look forward to that growing as international travel is unlocked. safely through our Hilton EventReady programme, we Now that London is open for business, how are

are also offering clients our expertise in managing

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

hybrid events. We know that people will still want to

As vaccines are distributed across the globe and

network, meet colleagues and close deals face-to-face

travel restrictions are relaxed, we’re seeing increased

so it’s important that we show how this can be done

consumer confidence and we remain optimistic about

safely – we are ready when that demand flows through.

signs of recovery in the second half of the year. We are seeing a real appetite for city staycations, strong

When do you think the hotel market will return to

performance from our hotels with outdoor dining

2019 performance levels?

and our flagship hotels including London Hilton on

We’ve been pleased with the pent-up demand that

Park Lane are seeing high demand for social events

we’ve seen when travel is permitted both domestically

and awards ceremonies later in the year. More than 13

and internationally, but for the whole travel sector

million people are expected to take UK holidays this year

it will take time to build back up to pre-pandemic

and our hotels in London are certainly benefitting from

demand levels. Hilton has been around for 102 years and

the UK’s staycation boom.

that’s testament to the fact that people love to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others; the

What are you doing to attract guests back?

pandemic won’t change that. The industry will come

London understandably attracts huge numbers of

back stronger and so will we.

international travellers and we know overseas guests will visit the city as soon as international travel

What’s next for Hilton in London?

restrictions allow, but in the meantime we have been

We have seven hotels across four brands in our London

ensuring our properties are as attractive as possible

pipeline. We’re hugely excited about Canopy London

to domestic travellers by launching guest experiences

City, which will open later this summer. We also have

ranging from Bone Appétit, a bespoke menu for dogs at

The Gantry, part of the Curio Collection, which will

32 of our pet-friendly hotels across London and the rest

bring together under one roof a design hotel, a bustling

of the UK, to new outdoor dining concepts including

artisan food hall, cocktail bars with dedicated open-air

Jason Atherton’s Café Biltmore in Mayfair.

terraces and a flexible event space. I also need to mention Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch, where plans include

What challenges are you facing?

a rooftop bar with sweeping views across London’s

The return of group bookings and conferencing and

skyline. It’s an exciting time for food and beverage in

events will take longer than first anticipated, but we

our London hotels with three new restaurants alone at

are already seeing search activity and bookings that give

Conrad London St James; The Blue Boar Pub opened in

us confidence in the return of corporate travel. We’ve

May, and The Pem will debut in July, followed by The

worked hard to ensure we’re able to host large events

Hedgerow – the hotel’s first cocktail bar.

Steve Cassidy Managing Director, UK and Ireland Hilton Worldwide Hotels open in London: 50 Hotels in the pipeline in London: 7 – including Canopy

by Hilton London City (2021); The Gantry, Curio Collection by Hilton (2021); Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch (2023)

053

Adapt and Innovate Optimistic that recovery is coming, Marriott International is on the lookout for opportunities to expand its London portfolio.

Ronny Maier Area Vice President, UK, Ireland and Nordics Marriott International Hotels open in London: 36 Hotels in the pipeline in London: Westin London City

How have your London hotels performed?

Cleanliness, digitalisation, sustainability and service

Over the past year, we’ve seen a major paradigm shift in

excellence will all be themes that are key for success

the world of travel that has altered consumer behaviours

going forward. While international travel still remains

and forced hoteliers to rethink their business models.

challenging for 2021, especially long-haul trips, for the

We have worked hard to keep as many hotels open as we

summer months we have focused our efforts on driving

can and as many employees working as possible, despite

local demand and activating offers to meet our local

the situation being very uncertain. Many of our London

customers’ needs, as we need to ensure that our hotel

properties remained temporarily closed throughout

offering, packages and experiences cater for the UK

2020 and several did not reopen before mid-May this

leisure market. We hope as we move into late Summer

year. As things evolve and travel restrictions remain in

and Autumn that international travel will resume,

place, we see adaptability and innovation as key to the

business trips will pick up, and events and conferences

future of our business. While we’re not quite there yet

will be able to take place with more certainty.

in the UK, we are optimistic that recovery is coming.

When do you think the hotel market will return to Now that London is open for business, how are

2019 performance levels?

bookings for the remainder of 2021?

It it clear that business will take some time to return

Booking trends for London are improving steadily but at

back to pre-pandemic levels. The travel situation

a slower rate than the recovery trends we see across our

remains extremely fluid and a return of international

provincial markets, with heavily restricted travel from

travel is dependent on continued global progress with

the USA, the Middle East and Europe continuing to be a

vaccinations and the lifting of restrictions around the

challenge for the whole hospitality sector in the city. We

world. As we emerge from this crisis, the leisure market

know that family travel is high on the agenda as many

will be the first to recover. People are eager to take

families have been unable to see each other over the past

trips, visit their friends and families, and enjoy a well-

year, so we’re enhancing our family offering further

deserved break. I have no doubt that when they can

with special packages and offers. Multigenerational

cross borders more freely, business will thrive again.

travel was one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry globally and we believe this will

Which of your forthcoming London launches are you

only increase post-pandemic. We must also remember

most excited about and why?

that as well as overnight stays, many of our hotels

I am really excited about the debut of Westin Hotels &

offer dining experiences. As customers return, we as

Resorts in the UK with the opening of Westin London

hoteliers need to be ready to respond. With so many

City this September. Not only will the property set a

cancelled holidays and missed occasions, people have

new precedent for wellness in the capital but its prime

high expectations about their trips and the quality of

riverfront location and views over the River Thames will

the experience will be more critical than ever.

make it destination for locals and tourists alike.

What challenges are you facing?

Which of your brands would you like to further

As an industry, we have seen so much change over the

expand in London?

last 15 months, and things continue to evolve. We must

We currently have 15 of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 brands

help stimulate local demand if we want to restart the UK

represented in London, but we are always looking out

travel industry. The key to unlocking this is creativity

for investment opportunities to expand our portfolio

and innovation, offering new services that are attractive

and offer guests even more accommodation options.

in the post-Covid era, as what our guests now consider essential is different to what they looked for in the past.

054

C O M P L E T E R E N O V AT I O N O F T H E H I S T O R I C G R A D E I I L I S T E D B O W S T R E E T M A G I S T R AT E S ’ C O U R T I N T O A L U X U R I O U S B O U T I Q U E H O T E L .

Planning for Growth

© Rickard L. Eriksson

New openings, new signings and the launch of a new brand are all part of the plan for Radisson Hotel Group.

Tom Flanagan Karttunen Area Senior Vice President, Northern and Western Europe Radisson Hotel Group

How has business been at Radisson?

What initiatives have you introduced to encourage

There is no doubt the past 18 months have presented

guests back through the doors?

a significant challenge for the travel and hospitality

One of the areas where RHG has made its mark,

industries, however it has also provided an opportunity

particularly over the past year, is our reputation to

to reflect and plan for future growth. While many hotel

respond swiftly to opportunities and challenges.

groups put their development plans on hold in 2020,

We have worked hard to adapt to changing market

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) recorded a successful year

conditions and make sure that we listen to guest

with 124 hotel signings in APAC and EMEA, adding over

feedback, including how their travel habits will change

18,000 rooms to the portfolio, as well as the introduction

over the next 12 months. Of course, a big focus has

of a new brand in October, Radisson Individuals. We

been to put health and safety first, so a priority was

noticed a niche in the market where owners are looking

the roll-out of our Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol

for conversion-friendly solutions that offer existing

in partnership with SGS, the world’s leading testing

hotels the opportunity to join an international network.

and certification company. In addition, we have also

Since the launch of Radisson Individuals, the brand has

ensured a swift return to business meetings and events

expanded its global presence with recent signings and

at properties across our EMEA portfolio, becoming the

openings in the UK, USA, India, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria

first hotel group to launch a comprehensive testing

and Africa.

programme and rapid testing service for meeting and event attendees. Recent research commissioned by RHG found that over 66% of event planners across EMEA believe that one of the most important factors going forward is to be able to combine physical and virtual elements in a creative way, which is why we launched our Hybrid Meetings and Hybrid Rooms solutions.

What’s next for Radisson Hotel Group?

We are opening the stunning Radisson Red Greenwich this summer, which I’m very excited about, and we also recently announced the signing of Radisson Red London Gatwick Airport - the second Radisson RED property at a UK airport following the opening of Radisson RED Hotel London Heathrow in September 2020. Longer term, we are looking to grow Radisson Red and Radisson Collection, as well as introduce our serviced apartments to the UK market. The latter provide an opportunity for investors to work with us on an attractive and growing segment outperforming the rest of the market. RHG has set a target to more than double its serviced apartments portfolio across EMEA within the next five years.

We are thrilled that luxury lifestyle hotel NoMad London, a collaboration with the Sydell Group and Roman and Williams, has opened its doors.

As architect and lead designer, our design has sensitively refurbished and extended the Grade II listed Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station to create an outstanding destination in the heart of Covent Garden.

058

NoMad LONDON As Sydell Group’s NoMad brand makes its London debut, Sleeper speaks to the owner, operator, architect, designer and contractor to gain exclusive insight into developing and delivering a luxury hotel within a listed building.

Words: Catherine Martin • Photography: © Simon Upton (unless otherwise stated)

I

t was way back in 2008 when Sleeper first

for something special. “This was the sixth

announced that planning permission had

asset I looked at,” he explains, recalling

been granted to transform Bow Street

the first time he set eyes on the Grade II-

Magistrates’ Court into a hotel. It had

listed property. “It was unoccupied at the

already taken three years of back-and-

time and falling apart. We knew that we

forth with Westminster Council to get the

had to breathe life into its walls and do the

scheme approved, and unbeknownst at the

building justice, especially with the history

time, the road ahead wouldn’t run smoothly

it has. Thankfully we have partners who

either, with a global financial crisis and

have the fortitude and the vision to see

devastating pandemic to contend with, not

what we could create.”

to mention the challenges of working in a

The history of the building is indeed

listed building. Over the years, the property

rich, for it was within the walls of the

has changed hands several times, the lead

Magistrates’ Court and adjoining police

designer role has been won and lost, and

station that Oscar Wilde spent the night

there’s been long stretches of inactivity,

having been arrested for committing

leaving many to wonder whether the grand

indecent acts, the suffragettes were

dame would ever see the light of day.

trialled, and the Kray twins were charged

It wasn’t until 2016, when Doha-based

with murder. Their stories are now told

investment firm BTC stepped in, that the

in a new museum that sits alongside the

project finally began to move forward.

hotel, where visitors can experience life in

With a portfolio of hotels, shopping malls

the cells or stand in the original dock that

and entertainment complexes across the

was unearthed during the redevelopment.

Middle East, the group were looking to

With their bid under way, BTC began

make a name for themselves in the UK,

their search for an operator who could

and so set up a London office from where

bring a certain prestige to the project,

they snapped up Soho Coffee Co and artisan

capable of raising the bar, particularly in

bakery Euphorium. A landmark hotel was

terms of the F&B experience. “A lot of

also on the wish-list, with Mehdi Ghalaie,

people approached us, but I was adamant

BTC’s UK Managing Director, on the lookout

that it required an operation as unique

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The 1,600-piece art collection curated by Be-poles celebrates the influence of post-war American art and European avant-garde

as NoMad’s given the F&B element that we

landing in London has gone on to inform the

and had also been involved in one of the earlier,

wanted to create,” explains Ghalaie, hinting

entire narrative, as Zobler explains: “The brief

unsuccessful schemes. “The previous scheme

that there was only really one name in the

was to look at what was fundamental to the

was quite different to the one we’ve got now,”

running. “I had admired the NoMad brand

brand and make sure we carried that through

explains Mark Bruce, Director of Hotels at EPR.

since I first stayed at the New York property;

while exploring a new conversation between

“The atrium was a completely unactivated space

it’s the magic of everything they represent

New York and London and taking our cues from

with a reflection pool in the middle, so the first

that appeals to me. I think the standard of the

the history of the building.”

thing BTC and Sydell did was to ensure this

While Zobler brought his creative genius, it

would be a true NoMad with the right balance

By a stroke of luck, Sydell Group were also

was Stuart Adolph, Sydell Group’s Senior Vice

of F&B and bedrooms – that’s when the project

in search of their next big London project,

President of Development, who became the

came to life; from the get-go, everything just

having already made their mark on the capital

man-on-the-ground in London, collaborating

made sense.”

with The Ned, developed in collaboration with

closely with the owner and design teams every

Having worked with Sydell Group on delivering

Soho House. With NoMad hotels running

step of the way. Not only did Adolph deliver The

The Ned, Bruce had already established a rapport

successfully in New York, Los Angeles and Las

Ned, but he has history with Bow Street, having

with Adolph and was delighted to be asked by

Vegas, the group had aspirations to expand

viewed it for three other operators through his

BTC to get involved. “It’s one of those projects

outside of the US, taking the brand’s mix of

career, the first time being in the mid-2000s

that so many owners, operators and developers

vibrant public spaces and stand-out food and

when it first came to the market. Joining Sydell

have looked at over the years; I myself drew

beverage offerings to new destinations. “We

Group in 2013, Adolph has been instrumental

my first plan for this in 2006,” he explains.

have always thought that London would be

in bringing the property to life, right from the

“With BTC’s involvement, there was an owner

the perfect place for NoMad and began our

early days of looking for the site. “It was always

that really loved the building, they wanted to

search for the right property soon after we

the ambition to grow NoMad outside of the US,”

do something meaningful, and that’s what this

opened the original NoMad in New York,” says

he explains. “It was logical to look at London

project needed.”

founder Andrew Zobler, who has something

and there were a number of other properties we

of a knack for transforming architecturally

explored before finding this one.”

product is unparalleled.”

EPR’s role involved working closely with BTC and Sydell Group to increase the front-of-house

meaningful buildings into compelling hotel

Armed with the belief that Bow Street would

spaces in a way that would make a successful

products. “It took a long time to find the perfect

make the perfect NoMad, Adolph set about

NoMad, yet also be in keeping with regulations

building to house NoMad but I think we did

convincing BTC to modify the existing plans

imposed by the local authorities. “In a hotel of

it,” he continues. As the creative force behind

in favour of a larger F&B footprint. As it turns

this nature, the architectural spatial planning is

Sydell Group’s hotels, Zobler was the one who

out, they didn’t take much convincing, with the

key; we got the chance to expand on our original

decided on a fresh approach for the interior

owners confident in Sydell Group’s expertise.

scheme and push the building harder than it

design, selecting Roman and Williams to take

“It’s been a good match,” states Adolph of the

had been in previous iterations to secure the

the lead over Jacques Garcia, who has been

ensuing partnership. “From the beginning, they

additional programming that NoMad needed,”

responsible for the rich, seductive schemes at

said to us: we trust you to design our hotel, we

says Bruce. “What was also unique for us in

all three NoMads. The New York-based design

trust you to build it and we trust you to operate

this project, was that because the operator was

duo are no stranger to Sydell Group however,

it. What more can you want from an owner?”

already confirmed, we were able to draw up the

with this marking their fifth collaboration with

The collaborative nature of the project is one

restaurant, bar and back-of-house spaces with

Zobler following the original concept and brand

that all parties have commended and it’s clearly

certainty as to what Sydell Group needed to

identity of Freehand and its implementation at

an approach that has brought results. “We’ve

make the hotel a real success.”

all four outposts. “We love working with Garcia

worked really well as a team that’s very much

A large part of that success is down to the

but thought it would be good to work with our

the style I try to adopt in all projects,” says

The NoMad Restaurant & Bar, which occupies a

other long-time collaborators to take a fresh

Adolph. “I like to get to know the design team

soaring triple-height atrium at the heart of the

look at the brand and in particular to bring a

and contractors to gain a better understanding

hotel. Evocative of an Edwardian greenhouse,

New York perspective to the project,” he notes,

of how things get built and how people react to

the sunken space – the result of excavation

a fitting choice given that this is the first hotel

design. It’s very much a hands-on approach.”

works – is flooded with natural daylight and

in London for both the NoMad brand and Roman

The sentiment is one that’s shared by EPR,

brought to life through the verdant plantlife –

and Williams. This idea of the New Yorkers

who were appointed lead architect on the project

a nod to the Covent Garden location – running

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© Benoit Linero

Kalmar custom-designed and produced over 1,000 luminaires for the hotel, from the pendants in the atrium to sconces for the Magistrates’ Court and table lamps for the guestrooms

062

through the centre and hanging over balconies. By

headboards in the guestrooms, a repeat of those seen

night, the space takes on an entirely different persona

in the New York outpost. In terms of public spaces,

thanks to a carefully considered lighting scheme by

The Library – described as the living room of the hotel

Hoare Lea, developed to complement the scale of the

– is a NoMad staple, though its curation of books is

space and accentuate the architecture. Central to the

very much in line with the brand ethos of being rooted

look are the pendants that hang at differing heights,

in the locale. Crime is a prominent theme along with

custom-designed by Kalmar who produced over 1,000

travel and design, and thanks to the hotel’s location

pieces for the hotel in total.

opposite the Royal Opera House, books on the arts,

The addition of the atrium was undoubtedly a wise

theatre and music also make an appearance. There

move, with the space fast becoming a crowd-pleaser

are other links to the surrounding area too, notably

for both its design scheme and the creative cuisine.

the stencilled artworks on mirrors in the restaurant,

It also serves to establish another link with the New

created by out-of-work scenic artists commissioned

York property, which has its own atrium, albeit on

while the Opera House was temporarily closed.

a smaller scale. A more casual eatery comes in the

The New-York-comes-to-London narrative

form of Side Hustle, NoMad’s take on the British pub,

continues throughout Roman and Williams’ scheme,

which is a vision in mahogany and leather set in the

with co-founders Robin Standefer and Stephen

building’s former police station, and still to come is

Alesch bringing drama and theatricality along with a

Common Decency, the brand’s first-ever late night

bohemian spirit. Moments of femininity juxtapose the

cocktail lounge.

masculine character of the architecture, while a level

A tour of the hotel with Adolph reveals signature

of layering is decidedly NoMad. As with all NoMad

NoMad touches such as the paravent behind the check-

hotels, the identity is grounded in the idea that the

in desk, upholstered here in a Watts of Westminster

hotel is a home, layered with the stories and spirit of

fabric for a London twist, and the brown leather

its inhabitants – a vision of a life artfully lived. “With

Stock FR fabrics and custom weaves - Made in France London Showroom - Chelsea Harbour Design Center - London SW10 OXE | + 44 20 7352 4798

In The Library – the living room of the hotel – flame-stitch armchairs feature alongside towering bookcases lined with a curated collection of books

all our projects we want people to feel comfortable and

pieces, along with the dramatic Preciosa chandeliers

curious,” explains Alesch. “The NoMad is meant to

in the Magistrates’ Court. In the guestrooms, stone

be beautiful, bohemian and evocative all at once. The

mosaic bathrooms, marble fireplaces and custom

building is so powerful and remarkable that you are

Lelievre damask make a statement, while the public

embraced by its strength, while the rich and textured

spaces see dark timber panelling, inset antique mirrors

interiors balance the bones. There is a tension between

and an assortment of rugs top oak floors by Havwoods.

this muscularity and softness that creates a powerful narrative for the guest.”

064

The artworks are worthy of a mention too, with a 1,600-strong collection throughout the public spaces

The selection of FF&E plays a starring role in

and guestrooms – some of the suites boast over 40

the project, with tasselled pouffes, plush sofas and

pieces alone. Be-poles, another of Sydell Group’s

freestanding clawfoot bathtubs all part of the mix.

long-time collaborators, was tasked with curating the

Taking the lead on sourcing, Rachel Carr, Sydell’s Vice

collection, which celebrates the influence of post-war

President of Procurement, scoured antique markets for

American art and European avant-garde. Highlights

unique finds, and worked closely with manufacturers

include masterpieces by Caroline Denervaud, whose

on custom-made pieces. “Most items are antique or

approach combines dance and painting, and a series of

bespoke to ensure we met the aesthetic the design

vintage portraits extracted from the Bow Street Police

team were looking for,” explains Carr. “We wanted

Station Archives. And in the Magistrates’ Court, now

to see some new and exciting pieces in the hotel, with

repurposed as an events space, a large-scale mural by

different uses of finishes, fabrics and shapes, while

French artist Claire Basler – which took four weeks to

adding in vintage pieces is very much a NoMad trait

paint by hand – conveys the magical moments at dusk

and gives us those unexpected moments.”

to ethereal effect.

Carr points out the flame-stitch armchairs in The

Responsible for turning the concept to reality, main

Library, made by Interdecor, amongst her favourite

contractor Beck won the project in 2018 having been

The NoMad London

J.T.Kalmar GmbH | Bennogasse 8 | 1080 Vienna | Austria | +43 1 4090880-0 | sales@kalmarlighting.com

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able to showcase their expertise at London projects

throughout was produced in Beck’s own UK workshop,

such as The Lanesborough and Rosewood. And in a

meaning that changes and bespoke solutions could be

neat link, the team also completed the restoration of

mocked-up and arrive on site within days.

Belmond Cadogan, where Oscar Wilde was arrested

For Kent, the project has been a career highlight,

before being taken to Bow Street. Much like others

which he accredits to the communication across all

working in the capital’s hotel market, Director Edward

parties. “It comes down to the project team, the client

Kent had spotted the potential of the building, but

team and the way in which everybody worked together

knew it would come with its challenges. “The biggest

to deliver the job,” he notes. “Everyone listened to one

challenge, as always on a project like this, was trying

another and understood the end-goal – there was an

to get modern services into a heritage building while

open-door policy.”

meeting the designer’s expectation,” he explains.

It’s clearly a collaboration that has yielded results,

“What we hadn’t anticipated was the complete

and one that both owner and operator are particularly

shutdown of the site, which was the right thing to do

proud of. “It’s truly magical,” states Ghalaie of the

but had a 12-week impact owing to the measures we

finished product. “We’re very grateful to the team and

took to reopen safely.”

fortunate to be on this journey with them.”

Beck’s role was far-reaching, involving the timber

The final word goes to Zobler, who was in London

work of the mansard roof, cleaning up the façade and

to see the fruits of his labour. “I am thrilled with the

construction of the timber-lined staircase that cuts

outcome. It is very much a NoMad but takes the brand

across multiple floors and marks the intersection

off in a whole new fresh direction too. It is always

between newbuild and heritage. There were extensive

wonderful to see your work come alive when people

fibrous works too, which involved restoring water-

start to inhabit the design. That is the most rewarding

damaged mouldings in the Magistrates’ Court and

part of the experience.”

matching old cornicing with new, while the joinery

066

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: BTC Operator: Sydell Group Architecture: EPR Architects Interior Design: Roman and Williams Lighting Design Hoare Lea Art Consultant: Be-poles Main Contractor: Beck Structural Engineer: Elliott Wood Partnership www.thenomadhotel.com

Photography by Jack Hardy Productions Ltd

Great British carpet since 1968

Creating beautiful carpets and rugs for the hotel and leisure sector.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

Proudly designing and manufacturing quality carpet since 1968.

w: newheycarpets.co.uk t: +44 (0)1706 846 375

Neil Holroyd Studio Publication: Sleeper

Issue: 97

Page size: 236 x 275mm;

Subject content: Nobu Hotel, Bespoke Colortec

Date: 04-05-2021

Print Deadline: 18-06-2021

Job Number: NEW-1069

Project Manager: Emma Whitehead, Newhey

Revision Number: Art

Nobu Portman Square LONDON David Collins Studio and Make Architects create a sense of elegance and simplicity for Nobu’s new London flagship.

Words: Lauren Ho • Photography: © Jack Hardy

F

rom the inside, the only real hint that Nobu Hotel London Portman Square occupies a building dating from the late 1960s – a former Radisson Blu – are the

frosted glass balconies in some of the suites. Otherwise, the property has been given a thorough head-to-toe overhaul worthy of its status as the London flagship for the muchloved restaurant and hotel chain from chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper.

Teaming up with hospitality investment and management company L+R Hotels, the property’s new look is the work of David Collins Studio (DCS), who were behind the design of the brand’s original and now shuttered Mayfair restaurant on Berkeley Street, while the 249 guestrooms have been designed by Make Architects. “There was no question when it came to choosing both DCS and Make Architects,” says Michael Delaney, Head of Design at L+R Hotels. “DCS has exceptional design skills and vision as well as a very professional, inspiring and talented team, while Make Architects has impeccable architectural skills and was also chosen because of its innovative use of virtual reality through the planning and design phases, enabling us to move around inside a virtual mock-up room and experience a sense of space, light and materials.”

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Anchored by a central bar, the lobby lounge brings together dark timbers, spring green tones, and geometric window frames with brass accents

070

Perched on the north-western corner of

Briefed to create a destination for Marylebone

leafy Portman Square, the building’s original

locals as well as for visiting guests, Taylor also

porte-cochère has now been transformed into

says it was important for the public spaces to

a sleek, streamlined version that leads to the

be accessible and comfortable. “Along with the

hotel’s soaring lobby. Here, against a clean,

signature Nobu bar and restaurant, we wanted

crisp rhythm of columns and softly curved

to make sure that the main lobby and lounge did

furnishings in a low-key neutral palette, hangs

not feel like transitional spaces,” he notes. “We

a dramatic five-metre kinetic sculpture with

worked really hard to create pockets of intimacy,

rotating metal fins by artist Ivan Black. “The

with vignettes of seating and lighting.”

lobby’s architectural concept reminds me a little

As such, the lobby lounge, which is directly

of the old Paramount Hotel in New York,” says

connected to the main lobby, is a crisp, cosy and

Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at DCS. “I

inviting space anchored by a central bar. Here, a

wanted guests to arrive and feel calm, at ease

dark timber, aubergine and spring green palette

and to engage quickly with the design.”

– in reference to the leafy environs outside –

Lewis Taylor, Design Director at DCS,

is revealed once again through a scattering of

continues: “The key here was the mix of more

softly curved furnishings in tactile leather and

inexpensive materials with custom finishes.”

velvet fabrics, while brass accents in the form

This means the reception desk’s fretwork timber

of geometrical window frames create a sense of

panels have been juxtaposed with showstopping

interest and glamour.

orange silk wallpaper, a painting by Pierre

Meanwhile, across the hallway from the lobby

Bonnefille and a handblown glass sculpture –

lounge, a large-scale patchwork of hand-pulled

or ‘Cloud’ pendant – by French-​American artist

prints by British artist Juliana Loveday is a

Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert.

dramatic precursor before entry into the bar,

INTRODUCING OUR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART STUDIO. A SPACE WHERE YOU CAN COLLABORATE WITH OUR DESIGNERS.

+44 (0)20 8760 0900

info@dernier-hamlyn.com​ www.dernier-hamlyn.com

Custom lighting by Dernier & Hamlyn creates a seductive glow in the hotel’s restaurant come evening, setting the scene for chef Matsuhisa’s signature dishes

072

which serves a menu of exclusive sakes and

pendant in the lobby lounge, antique brass

handcrafted cocktails. The cosy, gentlemans

pendants over the sushi bar and ceiling lights

club-like space is drenched in indigo and

featuring reeded glass tubular shades – creates

combines rough and polished dark timbers,

a subtle and seductive glow in which to enjoy

metal accents and low, considered lighting

Matsuhisa’s iconic Japanese dishes. The classic

that are elevated further by comfy leather club

yellowtail topped with jalapeño and coriander

chairs and raku-cracked ceramic tiles by French

has long been a favourite, as has the sashimi

craftswoman Fabienne L’Hostis.

salad served with a signature dressing. Then

Upstairs, the brand’s new London flagship

there’s delicious sushi, sashimi and of course,

restaurant, which sprawls over a long, open-

that black cod miso, served from cocktail and

plan space, features a palette of dark timbers

buffet stations supplied by IHS Global Alliance.

accented with bespoke canary yellow seating

Bellies full, the 249 guestrooms and suites are

and banquettes by London-based Edelman

the ideal retreats in which to wind down. “We

Leather. “These are totally unique to Nobu

wanted the guestrooms to be welcoming and

Portman Square,” says Taylor. “In all our

comfortable, but architectural and in keeping

projects, we choose to invest in key materials

with Nobu brand standards,” explains Delaney.

at touchpoints where the customer will really

The result is understated, elegant and calm, with

feel the quality.”

a warm, minimal Japanese aesthetic revealed

By day, the floor-to-ceiling windows bathe

through a low-key colour palette of pale timbers

the space in natural light and come evening,

and greys together with lighting by Chelsom,

custom lighting by Dernier & Hamlyn – who

standout prints by Rod McIntosh and Dragica

produced more than 100 individual pieces

Carlin flanking the beds, and dried flower

for the hotel, including a 1,600mm square

installations that add a natural element. Also

drawing on Mother Nature for inspiration are

led hotel that emphasises the brand ethos

a bespoke variation of carpets from Newhey’s

of elegance, humbleness, simplicity and

Connect Naturals collection, which channel the

hospitality,” explains General Manager Grant

materials, textures and tranquillity of Portman

Campbell. “Brand identity was key throughout

Square through geometric or basket weave

all areas, not just with the architecture and

designs with additional background texture.

interiors but uniforms and artwork too. In

In the suites, additional living space comes in the form of a separate lounge, private terrace

in London and Marylebone.”

and extra-large bathrooms, where guests can

Indeed, the 13th hotel from the brand and

soak in a bathtub from Bette – such as the

the second in London following its Shoreditch

freestanding BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette –

opening a few years ago, Nobu Hotel London

while taking in views of the city.

Portman Square stays true to Nobu’s philosophy

Elsewhere is a spa, gym and a Pilates studio

while injecting a sense of place and individuality

as well as an impressive array of meeting and

that slots right into its Marylebone location. “I

event spaces, including a 600-capacity ballroom

am super proud of the balance between design,

featuring chairs from Excalibur Furniture’s

art and functionality,” concludes Rawlings. “I

Chameleon range. Each of the areas throughout

believe we have achieved a design that feels

the hotel highlights the brand’s ethos, while a

modern yet timeless and one which will appeal

collection of artworks – thoughtfully curated

across the board. I am still in awe of Ivan Black’s

by Minda Dowling – includes Japanese-inspired

sculpture in the lobby; this to me is the single

prints by contemporary street artist Bollee

most successful individual piece on show.”

Patino, which line the hallways amongst others.

“Our aim was to deliver a leading design-

074

addition, it also had to resonate with its place

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner / Operator: Nobu Hospitality Investor / Developer: L+R Hotels Architecture: Make Architects, BSBG Interior Design: David Collins Studio, Make Architects Lighting Design: Isometrix Lighting Design, Dernier & Hamlyn Art Consultant: Minda Dowling Procurement: Argenta Landscaping: Exterior Architecture Main Contractor: WFC Signage: Light & Motion Uniforms: No Uniform www.nobuhotels.com

Only stands out if you want it to.

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076

Henry’s Townhouse LONDON Steven and Jane Collins collaborate with Russell Sage Studio to reimagine the former Marylebone home of Jane Austen’s brother Henry as an antiques-packed exclusive-use townhouse.

Words: Ianthe Butt • Photography: © Paul Raeside

S

erendipity; it could be the title of a Jane Austen novel.

the former residence of Jane Austen’s brother Henry between

At Henry’s Townhouse, it’s a sentiment that comes up

1800 and 1805. This planted the seed for a design narrative

frequently when discussing how Marylebone’s latest

centred around a grand reimagining of how Henry – and

buzzed-about opening came to be. Steven and Jane Collins

visitors from the Austen family – might have lived.

– the director of Chelsea Harbour and brains behind Sixty 6

Come 2021, gone are all traces of the tired B&B, and in

boutique respectively – are no strangers when it comes to

its place is Henry’s Townhouse, a vivacious seven-bedroom

luxury hospitality. The husband-and-wife owners of Temple

Georgian Regency-style abode with chic drawing room,

Guiting Manor & Barns, a swish Cotswolds house that can be

cocktail snug and pantry dining room. The Collins – in close

rented in its entirety, had long dreamt of opening something

collaboration with Russell Sage Studio, assisted by Feix &

similar yet smaller scale in London, having “sensed demand

Merlin Architects – have pulled off 360-degree genteel

for a private property with elegant hotel-like surroundings,

Georgian showmanship with flair. Walls licked with Farrow &

which can be taken over exclusively by, say a rock star

Ball and Little Greene paint in shades of cornflower blue, cool

and entourage, corporate group, or privately for a special

slate and terracotta provide a colourful backdrop to rich Dedar

occasion,” long before the appeal of hotel buyouts rocketed

Milano and Soane Britain fabrics, and tassel-embellished

in Covid times.

drapes alongside captivating antiques, gaily-reupholstered

Three years ago, the wheels were set in motion when a

period furniture and over one-hundred artworks – ranging

rundown B&B inside a five-storey, Grade II-listed stone and

from brooding 15th-century oil paintings to portraits by fine

brick Regency townhouse came onto the market. “Despite

artist Timna Woollard – cherry-picked from the Collins’

having lovely features, its condition was poor and it had

own collections or sourced at auction houses and antiques

garish lime green and pink decor,” says Steven. Located on

fairs. “Retaining authenticity without being slavish to the

Upper Berkeley Street moments from their own home, if

Regency period, and making use of the Collins’ antiques was

the locale of the 1770s townhouse weren’t gift enough, it

important,” says Sage. Appropriately for an exclusive-hire

transpired that the building had literary heft, having been

home-away-from-home, the designer says “it felt more like

077

078

designing a highly personal, private residence

design approach meant that decisions evolved

than a traditional hospitality project”.

naturally as things came to light, rather than

Feix & Merlin, working with heritage

feeling forced.”

specialist SCHD, sensitively restored the front

Resulting bedrooms are phenomenally

elevation stone and brickwork, railings and

spirited. Cousin Eliza’s is high drama with dusky

balconies, and replaced an ill-thought through

pink hues and a chinoiserie-style dressing table.

rear extension. Inside, the building was

A king-size four-poster bed with barley-twist

stripped back to its bones and restored, with

columns and antique lace trims sits in front of a

some structural alterations made, including

striped blush pink Gainsborough Silk fabricated

transforming a first-floor bedroom into an al

wall and tented ceiling, which solves a varied

fresco terrace. Original timber flooring and the

ceiling height conundrum between bedroom

Austen’s staircase were salvaged, with further

and bathroom with Punch & Judy vim. Floral

historical finesse added through new plaster

Rennie Mackintosh tiles in Eliza’s bathroom

finishes, heritage lath and ornate cornicing.

have their own serendipitous story; Jane had

Each bedroom takes its name and design

acquired a handful of them years ago, and when

inspiration from a member of the Austen family.

she more recently showed a photo to an antique

Rather than starting with a prescriptive colour

dealer pal, he revealed he had some too, which

palette, Sage and Jane Collins began by thinking

he was later persuaded to part with.

about how each room might feel, for example

In Henry’s sultry burgundy-hued ground floor

theatrical or more restrained. “Working with

room, a bugle from Horticultural Hall antiques

The Jane Austen Society, we were able to

fair pays tribute to his musical skills. On the

uncover incredible detail about the family’s

first floor, Cassandra’s is all powder puff blue

personalities,” explains Sage. “Adopting a fluid

hues offset by shimmering vintage chandelier

Cousin Eliza’s room is high drama in dusky pink hues with a king-size four-poster bed and chinoiseriestyle dressing table

079

Each bedroom takes its name and design inspiration from a member of the Austen family, while the opulent snug is stocked with an original copy of Henry Austen’s The Loiterer

and a 1930s gilt-edged French dressing table that belonged to Jane Collins’ grandmother, while in brother James’ room, a restored walnut Campaign bed playfully glammed up with a bespoke Gainsborough Silk canopy takes pride of place.

A hotel-at-home ambience is reinforced by Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso machines and British minibar treats such as Pump Street Chocolate, and wardrobes or end-of-bed cabinets conceal flatscreen TVs so as not to spoil the mood. For the en suites, some have showers, others a wet room or freestanding natural stone bathtub from Burlington, with Lefroy Brooks fittings and L:A Bruket organic potions.

In keeping with the Georgian fashion for see-and-be-seen entertaining, communal spaces pack a real sense of occasion. The pretty drawing room features scallop-backed chairs acquired from the late John Jess’ private collection, a dreamy pistachio-canopied and fringed fern-toned sofa, weighty velvets and a crystal chandelier – sure to have style mavens clamouring to takeover the property as their own during the likes of London Fashion Week and Frieze Art Fair.

What was once a narrow half-landing offers a masterclass in delivering impact in a tiny space. An aubergine curtain sections off an

080

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opulent snug with a peacock blue sofa, an Art

and Jamb lighting create a more intimate Sir

Nouveau overhead light fixture from Bonhams,

John Soane’s Museum-esque atmosphere come

and drinks cabinets from which guests can

suppertime. Behind the scenes in a separate

help themselves to Sipsmith Gin and Borrago

kitchen, culinary whizz George Parkes, of Holy

47. Other treasures include an original copy of

Mackerel fame, whips up the likes of asparagus

Henry Austen’s The Loiterer, written whilst he

with goat’s curd and St George’s mushrooms at

studied at Oxford, and treasured first editions

dinner, or baskets of flaky chocolate-almond

of Jane Austen novels.

croissants and plates of avocado on sourdough

Versatile Monsieur Halavant’s Pantry –

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dressed with slow-roasted tomato at breakfast.

named after the Austen’s French chef – is

The icing on the cake is charismatic House

another triumph, acting as breakfast spot,

Manager Ann Grimes, who has a background

dining room or boardroom for up to 14. On

looking after ultra-high net worth individuals,

first glance, a classic Georgian-style kitchen

and it shows. Mary Poppins-unflappable, she

with lengthy refectory table and Aga framed

has nimble and bespoke hospitality down to

by blue-and-white Delft-style tiles sourced

a fine art; be it proffering chilled Bollinger on

at Portobello Market defines the space, but

arrival or arranging a private chef at the last

thanks to some clever design touches, a change

minute, nothing is too much trouble.

of function is seamless. A push of bespoke

Offering a welcome hit of step-back-in-

handpainted wood panels slide to conceal

time escapism in these dreary times, for those

shelves of Inku ceramics, while for meetings, a

with the means to take over this arty, Austen-

cabinet opens to reveal a hidden state-of-the-

inspired residence, there’s no doubt the loved

art TV and AV system masterminded by The

ones they choose to share the experience with

Hub. Alternatively, a combination of candlelight

are a most fortuitous bunch.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Steven and Jane Collins Operator: Temple Guiting Manor Architecture: Feix & Merlin Interior Design: Russell Sage Studio Heritage Specialist: SCHD Graphic Design: Russell Sage Studio, Buddy Creative Main Contractor: Cheyne Construction www.henrystownhouse.co.uk

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17/06/2021 10:42:22

Montcalm East SHOREDITCH Blacksheep channels the East End’s artistic heritage through a contemporary lens to design part hotel, part creative hub for Autograph Collection.

Words: Ben Thomas Photography: © Matthew Shaw (unless otherwise stated)

E

ast London embarked on a creative

photographic legacy of the district to devise a

renaissance during the 1980s and 90s,

scheme that captures the perspectives to have

when a generation of artists – including

shaped it over the years. From the lobby with

the likes of Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and

its Instagrammable archway and lens-inspired

Turner Prize-winning photographer Gillian

rugs to a mezzanine awash with RGB colours, the

Wearing – reclaimed the area’s abandoned

composition is clear. There’s also a darkroom-

warehouses and repurposed them as studios

inspired VIP booth – billed as the Photo Lab –

for both business and pleasure. Since then, a

where guests can sip limited-edition cocktails,

bohemian spirit has defined this patch of the

get their hands on point-and-shoot cameras,

city, which has been home to boundary-pushing

and turn smartphone shots into Polaroid snaps

hotels like The Hoxton, Ace and CitizenM.

using special printers.

Now, a new haunt has burst onto the scene.

“Our mantra when designing the space was

The reincarnation of M by Montcalm, Montcalm

look up, look down, look around,” says Toni

East – part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection –

Black, Director of Interior Design at Blacksheep.

draws the eye before guests even walk through

“We took inspiration from the building itself

its doors. The diamond-shaped building on

and combined it with research into Shoreditch

City Road, completed by Squire & Partners in

to create a story all about perspective.”

2015, pays tribute to Op artist Bridget Riley and

Part of the process also involved examining

features a shark-grey façade that shimmers as

the guest journey through the hotel, with key

the light strikes.

changes being the repositioning of the entrance

Optical illusions and visual surprises abound

to enhance the flow and reconfiguration of the

inside too, where Shoreditch-based design

restaurant and bar to become anchor points.

studio Blacksheep has tapped into the rich

The real challenge for Blacksheep however was

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© Nicholas Worley

Taking its name from Moorfields Eye Hospital and the area’s historic links with mead breweries, Moor & Mead blends earthy hues, mossgreen chairs and industrial accents

connecting the lobby with the ground-floor

of David Bowie, The Beatles and Keith Richards

dining, which were previously on two different

of The Rolling Stones.

heights. The firm’s solution was to devise “a

The collection is made up of permanent

moment of exploration” in the form of an

pieces as well as rotating exhibitions in the

archway that has become a piece of art itself.

ground-floor reading room – stocked with

“Our plan was to work in harmony with the

books from Hoxton Mini Press and a bunch of

building’s angular nature,” Black continues.

trendy city-zines – while the restaurant and

“It was essential that each space had its own

bar have been decorated with black-and-white

identity yet spoke the same language, using

street photography of the capital taken by

visual cues of colour, materiality and form to

rising stars such as Amelia Shelbourne, Sabela

move guests along the journey.”

Peinado, Brunel Johnson and Nico Froehlich.

Complementing the visual narrative are

Guests can read up on the works using nifty QR

artworks curated by Culture A, which showcase

codes, which cameo as labels and take them on

an array of London’s talent. Textured, collage-

a thought-provoking art tour.

style prints hang throughout the public spaces

“Using bespoke artwork was always inevitable

and guestrooms, tipping their hat to the peeling

for the project, with the concept largely based

posters that decorate Shoreditch’s graffitied

on photography and how it can be used as a

walls, while other highlights include a street-

medium for personal expression,” explains

art-inspired textile by print artist Lisa King;

Black. “As such, Montcalm East acts as a

a large-scale, handpainted mural by Hackney

platform for London-based artists to display

resident Carlos Penalver; and collaborations

their work – the design itself is inherently

with Ravensbourne University and Proud

curated to form a backdrop for these pieces.”

Galleries – the latter has provided rare prints

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In keeping with the theme, the hotel’s

© Tim Evan Cook

087

© Nicholas Worley

088

restaurant and bar, Moor & Mead, takes cues from

vintage flashes, while walls have been decorated with

neighbouring Moorfields Eye Hospital, as well as the

artworks nodding to Shoreditch’s street posters. Mini-

area’s historic links with mead breweries. Created by

bars are on brand too, stocked with drinks and treats

Barworks, the team behind popular all-in-one venue

from the East End in keeping with the local ethos,

Mare Street Market in Hackney, the refined mezzanine

and Nespresso machines are equipped with pods from

space features an informal medley of earthy hues,

Flying Horse Coffee, who roast their beans in E8.

armchairs from Mobel Copenhagen’s Font collection

“We looked to juxtapose old and new, raw and

and industrial accents, while copper fittings, globe-

refined to create a space that feels modern yet

like lights and oblique-cut glassware mimic the

comfortable,” Black concludes. “From a monochrome

angular architecture.

base that harks back to black-and-white imagery, to

On the menu at the friendly neighbourhood joint –

RGB tones of red, green and blue that add another

helmed by Head Chef Tom Riehe – are best-of-British

layer of finish, and high gloss tabletops and reflective

classics with a modern twist, which change with the

materials that take inspiration from the glossy paper

seasons and combine locally sourced ingredients, as

used for developing pictures, there’s subtle nods to

well as a cocktail list that riffs wittily on photography

photography at every turn.”

for those looking to enjoy a tipple during golden hour.

Part hotel, part creative hub, Montcalm East

Somewhere between a soft and full revamp

channels the East End’s artistic heritage through a

meanwhile are the 288 guestrooms, split into eight

contemporary lens, capturing the rich creative history

categories but all bathed in natural light thanks to

of Shoreditch with aplomb. And there’s more to come.

the building’s diagonal floor-to-ceiling windows.

Soon to launch is a basement spa featuring a swimming

Here, Blacksheep has added bespoke, camera-

pool, steam room, Jacuzzi and sauna, where guests can

inspired furnishings such as floor lamps that recall

unwind after a busy day snapping the city.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: The Montcalm Group Operator: Montcalm Hotels Architecture: Squire & Partners Interior Design, Graphic Design and Branding: Blacksheep F&B Consultant: Barworks Art Consultant: Culture A Main Contractor: SGP Contracts www.montcalmeast.com

Selina Camden LONDON The fast-growing hospitality brand designed for digital nomads plants its first flag in the UK capital.

Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Ben Broomfield

S

ince making its debut in a small surf town

environmental and economical needs of the

on Panama’s Pacific coast in 2014, Selina

community. And so Selina was born. Since then,

has been on a mission to inspire authentic

the brand has grown significantly, expanding to

and meaningful connections amongst its

over 70 properties in 20 countries, from Costa

community of like-minded travellers. Through

Rica, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru, to Mexico

its work, stay and play ecosystem, the group

and the USA.

has built a wide-ranging portfolio across Latin

In 2018, Selina made its European debut with

America, landing in cities and off-the-grid

a 60-key property in Porto, and can now be

destinations with the ultimate aim of bringing

found in Lisbon, Athens and Tel Aviv as well as

people together.

lesser-known destinations across the continent.

As the story goes, Selina’s co-founders Rafael

Growth in the UK has come rapidly too –

Museri and Daniel Rudasevski were living in a

Brighton, Liverpool and Manchester opened in

small fishing town in Panama, developing real

quick succession – and the brand has finally

estate projects through their company Dekel

found the right spot to plant its flag in London.

Holdings. Guided by the belief that success

While location is important for any hospitality

is measured by a project’s integration with

venture, for one that is built around community,

the community it is part of, the pair began to

it’s crucial. So it seems Selina has struck

make connections – be it with local business

lucky with its new outpost, landing opposite

leaders or creatives passing through – building

Camden’s Roundhouse, a music and performing

a tight-knit circle of friends and associates.

arts venue that itself has a loyal fanbase of

They knew they were onto something special,

young creatives. With its street markets and

and set about creating a new style of hospitality,

alternative culture, this edgy corner of London

one that would positively impact the social,

is a well-established stop on the tourist trail for

091

The ground floor public spaces are an eclectic mix of hang-out zones, with areas for co-working, dining and socialising

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hip, twenty-something travellers – just the type

of the staircase has been repurposed as tiered

of demographic Selina caters to – and with the

seating for greater capacity.

continued blurring of lines between work and

Interiors are designed in collaboration with

play, the property’s mix of social spaces and

Selina’s workshop team and make bold use of

accommodation are sure to be a hit.

colour and pattern to reflect Camden’s creative

The ground floor public spaces are an

spirit, with historical and music-inspired

eclectic mix of hang-out zones, with areas for

touches throughout. Vintage and second-hand

co-working, dining and socialising. Check-

finds – a nod to Camden Market just down the

in is delightfully informal, with new arrivals

road – line the shelves in the public spaces, and

often stopping for a coffee or grabbing a snack

album artwork hangs on the walls in reference

from the self-service fridge before heading up

to the gigs over at the Roundhouse. Upstairs,

to their room. For those who linger, there’s

the design scheme gets adventurous with a

plenty of space – and suitably-placed power

variety of options and concepts to ensure every

sockets – to set up the laptop and work. Down

stay is different. The Micro Rooms are compact

in the basement, a multi-functional lounge

and modest, with a private sleeping space and

can be used for small get-togethers or chill-

shared bathroom, while the Community Rooms

out time, though its primary purpose is to host

feature bunks, each with its own storage locker,

a developing programme of events that will

power point, light and privacy curtain. Private

include anything from yoga classes and poetry

Plus options are more in-line with a hotel

readings to screenings and creative workshops.

suite and come with a seating area, and in

The space is intentionally flexible with loose

some cases, a kitchenette. Whether a double

furniture, beanbags and pouffes that can be

or a bunk, all rooms feature comfortable beds

moved if extra floorspace is needed, while part

that, in line with the Selina ethos, come with a

T U U C I E Q U I N O X W I T H A U T O M AT E D L O U V E R E D R O O F, L I G H T I N G A N D H E AT I N G

T U U C I .C O M

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29-4-2021 16:56:42

commitment to the environment, having been

has been developed by Executive Chef Moran

made from sustainably sourced pine by Get Laid

Etedgi together with Selina’s Vice President of

Beds. What the rooms also have in common is

Global Brands & Creative Ariel Levinsohn, and,

their commitment to the hotel’s surroundings.

thanks to the success of the London flagship,

The headboard wall is a key design feature in

will soon expand globally. In Camden, Harj

all rooms and once again honours Camden’s

Ram has been appointed as Head Chef to bring a

personality. One room pairs an animal print

local touch, the idea being that Powerplant will

backdrop with performing arts masks, another

team up with resident chefs in each destination

sees an illuminated skull-and-rose artwork

to deliver a unique and authentic culinary

against a dizzying display of diagonal black and

experience to every restaurant.

white stripes. Other quirky touches include the

The concept is one of a number of Selina’s

animal-shaped bedside lamps, which differ from

initiatives that is helping drive growth.

floor to floor; guests could well find themselves

Last year, the group launched subscription

waking up face-to-face with a monkey.

packages that enable travellers to live and

The hotel’s centrepiece however has to be

work at their properties, moving between

the restaurant, where diners are as comfortable

them as often as they chose, the monthly fee

calling in for a coffee and pastry as they are

inclusive of accommodation, co-working space,

with a group of friends for dinner. Known as

daily wellness activities, weekly laundry and

Powerplant, the plant-based eatery serves

discounts on food and beverage. With Selina’s

small plates including roasted cauliflower and

ambitious goal of having 130,000 beds open in

aubergine tartare as well as larger dishes such

400+ locations by 2023, the team will certainly

as Berber Jackfruit with tahini and kale-slaw, or

have their work cut-out.

the signature Powerplant Burger. The concept

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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owners: Rafael Museri and Daniel Rudasevski Developer: Dekel Holdings Operator: Selina Architecture and Interior Design: Selina in-house Development Team www.selina.com

Great Scotland Yard No.1 The Townhouse LONDON The former home of the Metropolitan Police welcomes a new recruit in the shape of a five-storey Georgian residence, brought to life by EPR and David T’Kint.

Words: Ben Thomas • Photography: © Courtesy of Hyatt

S

ynonymous with law and order, Great Scotland Yard

that his approach involved staying true to the structure’s

has enough stories to fill a book; it was here that

history while ensuring it did not become gimmicky or overly

the crimes of Britain’s most notorious villains were

themed. “Rather than being labelled Edwardian, Victorian,

investigated over the years, from the violent heists of West

contemporary or classic, the townhouse is a fusion of all

End gangs to the grisly murders of Jack the Ripper. Now, the

of the above, creating a unique environment that does not

iconic street between Whitehall and Northumberland Avenue

ignore the roots of its heritage whilst at once catering for the

is writing itself a new chapter, welcoming a luxurious private

comforts of today’s traveller,” he confirms.

residence that forms part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s UK debut next door.

Despite nearing completion before the pandemic, No.1

are welcomed by a dining room featuring a 10-seater table,

The Townhouse has timed its opening to perfection given

bespoke artworks and a Georgian-style chandelier, where

the growing demand for self-contained suites in the city.

they can host banquets or business meetings against a

Restored to its former glory by EPR Architects, the property

backdrop of decadence. From here, stairs lead down to a

provides guests with 2,000ft2 of seclusion while offering

games room equipped with a chess board and drinks cabinet,

a direct link to the adjacent hotel via a former butler’s

while sunken even further into the basement are a kitchen –

staircase, meaning they can make use of its fitness centre,

stocked with seasonal fruit and snacks or used by the hotel’s

meeting facilities or F&B outlets, which include The Parlour

in-house chefs to prepare full meal services from a choice

for afternoon tea, 40 Elephants for snacks and aperitifs, and

of menus – as well as a snug with original log burners,

private whiskey bar Sibin for late-night drinks.

oversized sofas and a Bang & Olufsen TV where guests can

Having taken the lead on the hotel’s interiors in his

kick-back and relax come evening.

previous role at HBA EMEA, where he devised a scheme that

On the first floor, an elegant drawing room is bathed in

unlocks the secrets of London’s past, designer David T’Kint

tones of peach, cream and blue, and an office is furnished

– who has since set up a hospitality design consultancy of his

with a high-back chair and desk, while up on the second and

own – was entrusted with balancing old and new once more,

third levels – affording glimpses of the capital’s rooftops

this time across five floors steeped in Georgian history.

– are two spacious double bedrooms, both with en-suites

“I envisioned Sir Robert Peel having a pied-à-terre in the middle of Whitehall,” begins T’Kint, who goes on to explain

096

Arriving at the Grade II-listed dwelling through their very own front door, or a drive-in entrance for VIPs, residents

boasting walk-in marble showers, rolltop copper bathtubs and toiletries from London perfumery Floris.

097

098

Despite sharing the same address as Great

retain the original structure of the floors. “We

Scotland Yard Hotel, T’Kint is quick to point

were very lucky to have a freestanding copper

out that the aesthetic of the townhouse is much

tub in the bathrooms approved!” he quips.

more residential in style than the hotel. “Whilst

“However, that meant no marble on the floor,

the space caters to the functions expected of a

only tile – so the marble is on the walls instead.

Presidential Suite, it does remain an independent

The same applies to all of the building’s other

property with its own character and façade – the

rooms, with timber flooring or carpet being the

yellow brick versus the red brick of the main

only option except for in the kitchen, which is

building, for instance. The design inside has its

decked in marble as it is in the basement.”

own look and feel too, with different elements to those found in the wider property.”

Serving as an urban abode for business tycoons and heads of state, Great Scotland Yard’s newest

Working within a Georgian-era building

recruit celebrates all the hallmarks of a classic

didn’t come without its challenges however,

British townhouse, championing tradition and

with the biggest for T’Kint coming in the form

modernity in equal measure through a scheme

of its compact spaces, which are stacked on

that does justice to the street’s heritage while

top of one another unlike a regular suite, and

recognising the needs of the modern era. Sir

had to be retained due to the structure’s listed

Robert Peel may well have passed away over

status. For the designer, this meant navigating

150 years ago, but if the former Prime Minister

a series of approval processes before modifying

and Home Secretary – regarded as the ‘father

elements according to regulations. The use of

of modern policing’ after he founded London’s

heavy materials and furnishings was another

Metropolitan Police Service in 1829 – were

obstacle, with T’Kint having to be extremely

around today, the residence would most

careful with weight on every level in order to

certainly get his seal of approval.

EXPRESS CHECK-OUT Owner: Twenty14 Holdings Developer: Galliard Operator: Hyatt Architecture: EPR Architects Interior Design: HBA, David T’Kint www.hyatt.com

099

HOTEL MEETS...

Hotel Meets...

A hub for creativity and innovation, London’s multiplicity of sectors are having an impact on hotels, and vice versa.

Words: Ben Thomas

T

he lines between all streams

CitizenM were among the first to pioneer the

And venturing into the world of sustainable

of

becoming

integration of retail into their offer during the

fashion, Page8 London has partnered with rental

increasingly blurred. While some

noughties, and since then, disruptive brands like

app By Rotation to offers guests the chance to

keep it simple and stick to the

25hours, W Hotels and Ace have done the same

rent wardrobe staples from a tailored look-book.

standard

bed-and-breakfast

– the latter created something of a touchstone

The collaboration allows residents to order up to

service, others are expanding their

at its Shoreditch property back in 2013, when

ten items straight to their room and receive them

offering to include retail, members-only services

London-based practice Universal Design Studio

in under 90 minutes. Hotel guests can also plan

and even the opportunity to work and live-in.

envisioned a front-desk-retail combo that

ahead and order looks before arrival, meaning

brought the trend to the mainstream.

when they check-in, the pieces will be steamed,

hospitality

are

Hybridisation is nothing new of course – the transformation of lobbies into multifunctional

Fast forward eight years and the concept

areas with bars, cafés and co-working for

of retail-meets-hospitality is gathering pace

instance, has been under way since the early

across the capital. From Dior’s pop-up rooftop

As the hospitality and retail sectors look

2000s – but the remit has widened of late, with

restaurant at Selfridges on Oxford Street –

to regain some of the losses caused by the

hotels no longer bringing together just concepts,

adorned with the fashion house’s signature

pandemic, expect to see the hybridisation of both

ideas and spaces, but entire sectors too.

Toile de Jouy pattern – to Shoreditch’s new

industries continue – a closer synergy and the

Gensler-designed shopping experience, Eataly,

further evolution of the experience-led model

the convergence of the two sectors is in full flow.

could well hold the key to their revival in the

HOTEL MEETS RETAIL

pressed and hung in their wardrobe waiting to be worn.

As reported last issue, retail was one of the

In Knightsbridge, David Collins Studio – who

markets that hospitality had been forging a

recently completed the design of Nobu Hotel

close relationship with pre-Covid; hotels were

London Portman Square in Marylebone – has

HOTEL MEETS MEMBERS-ONLY

searching for new forms of income that would

transformed Harrods’ food halls as part of a four-

Another market that hoteliers are tapping into

retain cash otherwise spent beyond their walls,

year restoration, paying tribute to the department

– and vice versa – is private members’ clubs,

whilst bricks-and-mortar retail went about

store’s heritage by creating an environment that

which have become trendy again thanks to the

introducing experiential elements to drive

reflects its original Edwardian grandeur, while

reinvention of institutions such as The Arts Club,

engagement and combat online sales – think

in Belgravia, multidisciplinary firm Farrells –

Annabel’s and Devonshire Club, and the arrival

exclusive pop-ups and multi-sensory shopping.

which counts St Ermin’s Hotel in St James’s

of newcomers like Groucho and Soho House –

What was once an afterthought has become

Park amongst its clientele – has overhauled a 19th

some of which come with guestrooms as part

a fundamental consideration, with hospitality

century building to create Pantechnicon, a trendy

of the offer.

designers increasingly being asked to bring their

shopping and dining destination that celebrates

Having already made its mark on the capital

expertise to retail spaces in order to make them

Nordic and Japanese craft through food, drink

with a series of exclusive boltholes, including

more gratifying for consumers. The Hoxton and

and design.

AHEAD award-winning hotel and members’ club

months ahead.

101

A blurring of lines between hospitality and other sectors has given way to the arrival of hybrid projects such as 180 House (previous page); The Hoxton Southwark (below); Cove Arne Street (opposite); and Vonder Hotel Kensington (following page)

The Ned in the former Midland Bank building,

inspired refuge that merged conceptual art,

Soho House has expanded its revered portfolio

storytelling and musical entertainment. Arriving

with a new cultural hub on the Strand.

in the former Mayor’s Parlour for a three-week

Spread across nine floors and decked in

stint alongside provocative exhibition Art in

1970s-style interiors that reflect its Brutalist

The Age of Now, the concept was billed as an

architecture, 180 House comprises a restaurant,

‘avant-garde alternative to London’s affluence-

bar and rooftop pool, together with a health club

enamoured members-only establishments’ and

and ground level social space boasting a pop-up

will now commence life as a clandestine club

eatery with revolving food concepts. Members

held in secret locations throughout the city. For

can also make use of Soho Works’ new London

Fulham Town Hall on the other hand, work has

flagship from floors one to seven; built around a

begun to convert the building into a boutique

central hub, each storey offers hot-desking and

hotel with 90 rooms, a variety of restaurants and

dedicated offices.

bars, and co-working space.

In the heart of the East End meanwhile, The

There’s more developments in the pipeline

Curtain Members’ Club is currently undergoing

too, with British-Iranian property tycoon Robert

an update and restyling as part of the hotel’s

Tchenguiz set to turn MI5’s former Mayfair

transformation into Mondrian Shoreditch, though

headquarters on Curzon Street into a 78-key

the underground club element will retain its

hotel and private members’ club encompassing

name and continue to operate as usual – a relief

a health club and spa, retail units, a restaurant

for its devoted patrons – when the rebranded

and bar, and a screening room. A rooftop dining

property is unveiled later this Summer.

venue and lounge area housed under a domed

Also catching the attention of late was

glass enclosure round out the ambitious plans,

Christabel’s at Fulham Town Hall, a prohibition-

though an opening date is yet to be announced.

© Robert Rieger

102

HOTEL MEETS...

HOTEL MEETS CO-WORKING

offices, wellness programmes and nutritionist-

HOTEL MEETS CO-LIVING

After the global WFH experiment of the past 18

designed brain food. Introduced at The Hoxton

As the city’s housing market reaches unattainable

months, hotels are being used as offices more

Southwark just before the pandemic took hold,

heights for many – the median price for a home in

than ever, with corporates and creatives looking

the concept describes itself as ‘like a working

London was a staggering £495,000 in Q4 of 2020

for stylish co-working areas that offer flexibility,

from home, but without the distractions’.

according to the Office for National Statistics –

Another to recognise the potential of communal

co-living has emerged as a solution to the crisis,

workspaces was The Zetter Group, which handed

bridging the gap between short- and long-term

Co-working has been on an upward trajectory

over the underperforming bar at its Clerkenwell

rentals while creating more convenience and

since the movement first materialised at the turn

outpost to Central Working in 2016, meaning the

community for upwardly mobile professionals.

of the millennium, with an influx of major brands

space could cater to members-only during the

For hospitality brands trading in the short-

entering the London market in the years since;

day and the public come evening, when food and

term rental market, the arrival of apartment

WeWork now has no less than 44 sites across the

wine are served. A similar approach by design-

operators like The Collective, which manages

capital, while design-led workspace specialist

led aparthotel brand Locke has been met with

two locations in the capital and has a third on

Labs has nine to its name so far and more in the

success; its growing collection of London sites

the way, has only reinforced the need to build a

pipeline. In turn, the hotel lobby has evolved into

are now popular haunts amongst the capital’s

cult following of like-minded people.

an ad hoc office of its own, welcoming all walks

remote workers, with seats hard to come-by for

Sensing an opportunity to capture this

of life – whether they’re staying overnight or not.

those who fancy a change of scenery without

burgeoning demand, global co-living group

venturing beyond zone two.

Vonder recently evolved its concept with the

cosy interiors, plenty of desk space and good quality coffee.

The comfy lobbies of The Hoxton hotels have been unofficial workspaces-of-choice for

With some businesses shedding their costly

opening of a community-driven hotel in Earls

Londoners since 2006, but in response to the

offices altogether, operators have gone so far as

Court and will soon unveil another in Paddington.

needs of creatives and freelancers, the brand made

to suggest that hotels will be the primary place

it official in 2019, launching Working From_, a

to work post-pandemic.

dedicated working environment with studios,

Joining existing sites in Berlin, Dublin and Dubai, the two properties will comprise a total of 95 rooms, providing an alternative, affordable

103

HOTEL MEETS...

© Dimitrios Sofianopoulos

option to those looking to reside in the capital

facilities from swimming pools and libraries to

with self-contained units performing far better

for one to three months, whether that be for

bars and movie rooms.

than hotels throughout the pandemic. As such,

business, studying or leisure.

Alongside its 73 rooms, spread across three

104

HOTEL MEETS RESIDENTIAL

fast-growing group Edyn has launched a new serviced apartment brand named Cove, while

townhouses within walking distance of each

As a consequence of this blurring, residential

Dorsett Hospitality International is set to debut

other in the west of the city, Vonder Hotel

styles have filtered through to hospitality, with

its own aparthotel concept, Dao by Dorsett, in

Kensington features a communal café and garden

a rising number of interior designers from the

London later this year.

– the latter hosts wellness sessions such as yoga,

private sector bringing their expertise to new

fitness classes and meditation, together with

hotel developments in London.

As hospitality continues to evolve, its innovators and game changers are tapping into

music concerts, open-air parties and cinema

Operators and developers are seeing the

this convergence of sectors with conviction,

nights to create a sense of community amongst

benefits of adding a residential component to

so much so that IHIF – generally regarded as

its residents.

their projects too – Marriott and Accor have

the leading hotel investment conference – has

Likewise, Latin American hospitality group

both launched new websites dedicated to homes,

added a new pop-up event to its main Berlin

Selina – which planted its first flag in the

villas and apartments – while luxury brands

conference in September that will focus on

capital this May – has launched CoLive, a long-

are increasingly offering private residences

adjacent concepts such as hostels, co-working,

term accommodation and co-working package

within their portfolios. The forthcoming Raffles,

student accommodation, serviced apartments

geared towards the influx of remote workers.

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair and Admiralty Arch

and co-living. Exploring investment beyond the

The month-by-month rental programme allows

Waldorf Astoria all have apartments available for

hotel room, Adjacent Spaces is inviting owners,

modern nomads to reside in up to three different

purchase, meaning that owners can combine the

operators, architects and designers to share

destinations per 30 nights, charging them the

exclusivity of their own home with the facilities

knowledge, exchange ideas and look to shape

same fixed rate every month while providing

of a hotel.

the future of the industry – how that will look

access to furnished suites and community rooms,

The shift towards selective seclusion has also

daily wellness classes, a free hot desk and on-site

played into the hands of serviced apartments,

remains to be seen.

Putting the buzz back into Clerkenwell This new and free two-day ‘OPEN’ showroom trail event is to celebrate the reopening of the Clerkenwell Furniture and Design showrooms.

SEPT 2021 EXHIBITORS :

The participating companies are all leading international brands who will be showcasing their latest designs and products for the workplace and hospitality sectors, as well as running their own events.

The Clerkenwell Open will also

feature a seminar programme organised by WOD. The two-day event will be attended by a wide-ranging audience of decision makers and influencers, including architects, designers, clients/end users and property professionals.

Thursday 9th September

Friday 10th September

10.00am till 5.30pm

10.00am till 3.00pm

REGISTER TODAY FOR YOUR FREE TICKET! Register for a free ticket and find out more about the WOD Seminars and Workshops Programme here: www.clerkenwell-open.co.uk

Better Together As hospitality, retail and office spaces evolve, could mixed-use developments drive consumers back to the city centre?

Words: Ben Thomas

106

Mixed-use developments have been rising

that mixed-use developments – as opposed to

up over cities around the world for decades,

those that rely on a single-use – are better

bringing together hospitality, retail, residential,

positioned through times of uncertainty.

entertainment and office space at a single site,

One of the capital’s largest mixed-use projects

the idea being that it becomes a neighbourhood,

is Olympia London, set to undergo a £1.3 billion

where people can live, work, rest and play

regeneration over the next four years to become

without having to travel too far.

a new cultural hub. Led by real estate investment

But with the onset of the pandemic, hotels,

firms Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance

restaurants, shops and cinemas have been

International, the redevelopment is set around

forced to close their doors, effectively turning

the existing Grade II*-listed Grand Hall and Pillar

once-bustling city centre streets into ghost

Hall, which have played host to countless trade

towns. Given that forecasters predict the use

shows and consumer exhibitions over the years.

of online-based services will continue to grow,

The project includes the addition of two luxury

and the current tendency to avoid crowds, some

hotels, a four-screen ArtHouse cinema, and two

have questioned whether such spaces still have

new artistic venues – a 1,000-seat performing

a place in society. Developers however are taking

arts space and a 1,500-seat theatre. Celebrating

a long-term view, and strongly believe that

its heritage while serving the next generation of

their schemes – often spanning vast swathes

Londoners, the Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC-

of underutilised land – will bring a sense of

designed complex will also comprise 10,000ft2 of

community that so many big-city dwellers crave.

free performance and rehearsal space for local

In London, there’s a number of projects in the

charities; restaurants, shops and cafés including

works, with the pandemic serving to demonstrate

a new jazz-club style venue; 550,000ft2 of office

BETTER TOGETHER

and co-working space; and 2.5 acres of public

Power Station as a mixed-use neighbourhood

debut here too, while Coal Drops Yard is now a

space, made up of squares, pedestrianised streets

continues to set the benchmark for developments

popular shopping destination home to the likes

and a sky garden, as well as an elevated deck

of its kind in London. Managed by Battersea

of Google, Louis Vuitton and Universal Music.

– set beneath a new glass canopy and garden –

Power Station Development Company, the £9

And there’s plenty more to come, with ambitious

offering access from Olympia Way to the west

billion rejuvenation will see the 42-acre industrial

proposals by real estate developer Argent

end of Hammersmith Road, all part of plans to

brownfield site transformed into a community

including 50 new and refurbished buildings, all

reconnect with the surrounding area.

of modern homes, shops, bars and restaurants,

of which are connected by a network of streets

Naturally, hotels are part of the plan too,

while the arrival of offices, 19 acres of public

and major public spaces including squares and

with two recognised brands already confirmed.

space and a Foster + Partners-designed hotel

parks. When complete, the former industrial

CitizenM will bring its ‘affordable luxury’ concept

will also increase footfall. The hotel, operated by

wasteland will cement its place as another

to the district in 2024, in a 145-key property

Art’otel and featuring interiors by Dexter Moren

fashionable district of London – that even has its

designed by Amsterdam-based partner Concrete,

Associates, will include 164 guestrooms, a spa,

own postcode – boasting homes, shops, offices

to be followed by a 196-key Hyatt Regency later

signature bar, and roof garden designed by James

and galleries, not to mention trendy bars and

the same year. Located within an architecturally

Corner Field Operations – the team behind New

restaurants, and even a university.

significant Art Deco building that previously

York’s High Line.

While it’s unclear what individual sectors such

served as a multi-storey car park, the latter

And then there’s King’s Cross, which has been

as hospitality, retail and office space will look

connects directly to the exhibition centre. Its

evolving since 2007. A lot has happened to the

like in the years ahead, the coming together of

interiors are being designed by Twenty2Degrees,

67-acre site over the years, though it was the 2012

such facilities and services will help build the

who will take cues from the architectural heritage

opening of the Great Northern Hotel – involving

cities of the future.

of the structure.

the restoration of a 19th century Grade II-listed

South of the Thames meanwhile, the

building – that really gave the area a new lease

revitalisation of the Grade II-listed Battersea

of life. A number of restaurants have made their

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© James McDonald

TIMELY TRANSFORMATIONS

Timely Transformations As domestic travel restrictions ease, the capital’s hotels unveil the results of their lockdown makeovers, ranging from new spas and suites to full refurbishments.

Words: Catherine Martin, Ben Thomas and Eleanor Howard

O

comes

additions, Middle Eight in Covent Garden and

contract with Axiom Hospitality. And what’s a

opportunity, as the saying

The Guardsman in Buckingham Gate, the latter

new name without a new look to match? Dating

goes; it’s a quote that has

designed by Dexter Moren and Tonik Associates.

back to 1908, the property has refreshed its

been applied to all manner of

Given that travellers tend to gravitate towards

exterior, entrance and lobby as well the first

situations over the years, but

the shiny new hotels over those that have been

never has it seemed so apt as

in operation for a few years, existing properties

ut

of

adversity

when describing London’s current inventory of hotels. The adversity, of course, needs no

have been upping their game too.

phase of its guestrooms.

Also ready in time for the easing of restrictions, London Marriott Hotel Kensington has completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment designed

introduction, and given the hardships businesses

TIMELY TRANSFORMATIONS

have faced over the past 18 months, the priority

Last September, The Beaumont announced it was

London Metropole – the largest Hilton outside

has been about little more than survival. Many

taking the opportunity to start work on some

of the US – is close to completion on a top-to-

however, have seized the opportunity to pause

long-planned improvements, including a 25-

bottom refurbishment that will radically elevate

and take stock, using pandemic-enforced

room extension in a warehouse building behind

the guest experience. The project will see all

closures to reassess their offer and develop

the existing property. Now, the first phase of

1,096 guestrooms and suites revitalised, the four

new concepts. Some have brought forward

upgrades has been unveiled. Along with a brand

restaurants and bars reimagined with new dining

planned refurbishments, while others have

new bar, lounge and al fresco dining terrace, The

and drinking concepts, and extensive renovations

refreshed their spas, suites, restaurants or events

Beaumont’s sleek Art Deco interiors have been

to the 35 event spaces, meaning no corner will

facilities, and though the pandemic has brought

rethought and refreshed by New York-based

be left unchanged.

about necessary change in some spaces, the

designer Thierry Despont and London-based

overwhelming majority of upgrades have been

architects Reardon Smith.

by Anita Rosato, and on a greater scale, Hilton

BUSTLE TO BLISS

Over in Knightsbridge, The Carlton Tower

Other London hotels have been investing in

Despite setbacks, there’s been plenty of brand-

Jumeirah has undergone the most extensive

individual facilities to meet the needs of a

new additions too. As well as those featured in

makeover in its history at a cost of over £100

changing society. At the onset of the pandemic, it

this and previous issues of Sleeper – The Mayfair

million. Overseen by 1508 London, every space

became clear that people in better shape were less

Townhouse by Goddard Littlefair, Bermonds

has been redesigned, with key changes being a

likely to suffer complications or succumb to the

Locke by Holloway Li and debuts from Ruby

new health club and spa, and a reduced keycount

disease, and as a result, there’s been increased

Hotels and Barry Sternlicht’s Treehouse to name

to make way for larger guestrooms and suites.

focus on health and wellbeing – a market that

largely opportunistic.

but a few – recent openings span the capital.

The former Le Méridien Piccadilly meanwhile

was already on the rise and is only set to grow.

NYX, a lifestyle brand from Leonardo Hotels,

reopened as The Dilly, with owners Archer Hotel

Far from being about a little exercise and the

made its UK debut in Holborn, with interiors

Capital stating that this year has “given us an

provision of a gym or swimming pool, the sector

by Garuda Design celebrating the vibrancy of

opportunity to re-focus” and subsequently opted

takes into account all aspects of self-care, from

the city. And Shiva Hotels was behind two new

to operate independently under a management

physical fitness and mental wellbeing to clean

109

© Mariell Lind Hansen

110

TIMELY TRANSFORMATIONS

Upgrades to London’s hotels include new suites at Claridge’s (previous page); and dining concepts from (clockwise from top left) The Langham, The Biltmore Mayfair, The Berkeley, The Hoxton and The Mandrake.

Joining them in the Autumn will be a second property from Inhabit (following page)

to clean eating and relaxation. Hotels around

has recently unveiled two new suites designed

Elsewhere, The Standard introduced an

the world have been enhancing their offer,

by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, one a contemporary

open-air bar inspired by the US-based group’s

adding dedicated meditation and yoga studios,

homage to the Art Deco era, the second inspired

Manhattan outpost; The Café Biltmore Restaurant

developing personalised eating plans, designing

by the hotel’s Victorian architectural features.

& Terrace by Jason Atherton, located within The

vast spas with a whole host of water-based

Elsewhere, The Doyle Collection’s The

Biltmore Mayfair, unveiled a new extended

therapies, and more recently, creating treatments

Kensington has spruced up a number of its

terrace; and The Dorchester launched a rooftop

that boost immunity. In London, some hotels

suites with the help of local studio Timothy

restaurant and bar – the first in its 90-year

are offering staycation packages that combine

Mather Design. And, in celebration of its 50th

history – adding to the hotel’s Terrace & Garden

city break with a sense of escape, while others

anniversary, Four Seasons Park Lane enlisted

on the forecourt. Around the corner, The Berkeley

have been rethinking their spaces. Dorchester

Pierre-Yves Rochon to bring a contemporary

is celebrating the Great British staycation with

Collection’s 45 Park Lane in Mayfair for example

residential feel to its Hyde Park Suite, and Tara

the launch of The Beach Huts. The seaside-

has launched a new spa experience centred

Bernerd to remodel the superior and deluxe

inspired terrace features five rainbow-coloured

around Mother Nature. Designed by Paris-based

rooms, where a reconfigured layout maximises

huts, each decorated in a coastal style with

studio Jouin Manku, the 10,000ft2 wellness space

the floorplan and the selection of lighter colours

nautical references.

references flora by way of traditional Roman-

and materials creates a more spacious feel.

style mosaics from Venetian artisans, while

Another hotel group taking its al fresco offer to new heights is The Hoxton, which has teamed

natural timbers and light-coloured stone usher

AL FRESCO APPETITES

in calm and tranquility. There’s a 20m swimming

When scientists found that the risk of transmission

restaurant on the rooftop of its Shoreditch

pool, a gym, spa treatments by Valmont and

was far lower for outdoor spaces, it opened up

property. Having started life as a pop-up at Soho

Aromatherapy Associates and a relaxation

new possibilities for a return to business. Had

House West Hollywood, the concept went on to

lounge, the latter allowing guests to unwind

this been Spain or the South of France, it might

hold residencies across Europe, before taking a

around an open fire and dine on healthy dishes

have been a case of giving the existing patio a

permanent spot at The Hoxton. Designed by the

by the hotel’s Executive Chef.

quick scrub, but given that the UK doesn’t exactly

Soho House team, the indoor-outdoor space is

Also tapping into the growing demand

enjoy the same balmy climate, restaurants with

inspired by both the original outpost and its East

for wellness facilities is Pan Pacific London,

outdoor space aren’t so common, particularly in

London setting, and pairs tropical plantlife with

which is set to unveil an entire wellness floor

hotels. Those who did want to reopen would have

industrial finishes.

when it opens in September. Designed by Yabu

to re-evaluate and adapt, leading to a host of new

Pushelberg, the 1,083m2 space features an infinity

dining experiences in the great outdoors.

up with Soho House to open Maya, a Mexican

Perhaps one of the most creative adaptations however was at The Savoy, where the iconic

pool with views over the city, a mindfulness

For hotels that were already running outdoor

forecourt – usually taken up by taxis dropping

studio, individual relaxation pods and a high-

venues, the pandemic was an opportunity to

off overnight guests – was transformed into

performance interactive gym developed in

refresh. At The Langham, an existing terrace

Solas, a pop-up restaurant and bar developed

partnership with TecnoBody. Thought to be the

at The Wigmore has been connected the hotel’s

in partnership with Bowmore Islay Malt Scotch

most technologically advanced gym in the UK,

courtyard garden to form one large outdoor

Whisky. Blending the heritage of Bowmore and

the combination of future-proof equipment,

dining area, furnished with wooden benches,

the Art Deco and Edwardian style of The Savoy, the

virtual reality training guidance and digital

fairy lights and a pergola adorned with climbing

venue has been designed by Meredith Collective

gesture analysis will provide guests with an in-

vines and hanging baskets. And should the British

and features a centrepiece chandelier made from

depth understanding of their body.

weather take a turn for the worse, there’s heat

shards of crystal, decanters and stoppers.

SUITE DREAMS

lamps and covered areas to escape the rain. Also taking the opportunity to introduce a new look is

DESTINATION DINING

The desire for privacy has also been propelled into

Sea Containers, which has relaunched its terrace

It’s not only outdoor dining that has had a

the spotlight by the events of late, with guests

in partnership with Laurent-Perrier. The venture

new lease of life, a number of operators have

seeking out self-contained spaces as a way to

takes inspiration from the hotel’s newly launched

used temporary closures to come up with new

limit mixing with others while still benefitting

Hedgerow by Agua skincare and ingredients line,

concepts and refresh their existing restaurants

from the facilities and services of a luxury hotel.

and sees a plant-filled oasis featuring native

and bars. A reluctance to install unsightly

Through lockdown, a number of London hotels

woodland trees, ferns and shrubs combine with

plastic screens between tables has resulted in a

have been revamping their suites in a bid to create

soft furnishings in shades of gold and rose to

variety of smart solutions to keep diners safe;

sanctuaries that feel more like home. Claridge’s

reflect the champagne varieties on offer.

some have built extensions to increase capacity,

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TIMELY TRANSFORMATIONS

© Tim Evan Cook

while others have future-proofed their spaces

And in a bid to attract new diners, Conrad St

End location. And Hyatt has unveiled the central

with the likes of semi-enclosed booths or the

James is investing £1.75million into creating four

London debut of its select service brand Hyatt

installation of design-led room dividers should

new F&B concepts all operating under Consultant

Place, with Dexter Moren Associates taking the

social distancing be here to stay.

Chef Sally Abé’s guidance. Earlier this year the

lead on the conversion of Black Lion House from

Enhancing its private dining facilities, The

hotel opened The Blue Boar Pub, followed by The

an office to a hotel with 280 guestrooms and a

Mandrake introduced a series of cabanas, each

Pem, a new restaurant featuring a rosy-hued

variety of bars and restaurants.

individually designed by artists selected by hotel

Art Deco design. Abé isn’t the only Michelin-

Elsewhere, the doors are open at The Lost

owner Rami Fustok. And at The Hoxton Holborn,

starred chef setting their sights on London post-

Poet, a private townhouse residence with four

Ennismore Design Studio led a substantial

lockdown. This September, Niklas Ekstedt will

individually-designed bedrooms conceived

redesign of the ground floor, which included

open his first restaurant outside of Stockholm,

by Cubic Studios to honour nearby Portobello

extending the lobby to incorporate a new coffee

which will form part of Great Scotland Yard Hotel.

Road Market. And Inhabit is soon to build on

bar, and the addition of a restaurant, Rondo.

A first for the UK, the new flagship restaurant

the success of its first hotel with a new addition

will focus on Scandinavian cooking techniques

in Paddington. A collaboration between Holland

using seasonal British ingredients.

Harvey Architects, Caitlin Henderson Design

With operators looking for ways to lure back diners, refurbishments and collaborations with star chefs are picking up pace too. The

112

and art curators Culture A, everything has been

newly refurbished Page8 for example launched

COMING SOON

Bisushima, a contemporary Japanese restaurant

And there’s so much more to come. Just as this

to environmental initiatives and meaningful

developed by chef and restauranteur Sergey Men.

issue of Sleeper was heading to the printers,

community partnerships.

Also expanding its F&B offer is The Connaught,

a flurry of new openings landed in our inbox.

which opened a standalone patisserie to the side

From the international hotel groups, Canopy

So despite the challenges of the past 18 months,

of the main hotel. It’s design, by Ab Rogers, is

by Hilton will soon make its highly anticipated

London remains a hive of activity, keeping

sure to garner as much attention as the delicacies

debut as part of a £76 million development in

architects, interior designers and the supply

on offer, with an elegant soft blush scheme.

Aldgate, where interiors by Acme reflect the East

chain busy. It’s fair to say London is still calling.

mindfully designed with a genuine commitment

INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE - DECORATION WWW.GOMMAIRE.COM

Hotel Construction Pipeline UK Though the UK’s hotels have spent the past 18 months in and out of lockdown, caution over international travel has seen parts of the country benefit from staycations, with the result being a continuation of new hotel development.

According to the latest data from TopHotelProjects, there are a total of 474 projects in the pipeline across the country, accounting for 69,205 rooms – more than anywhere else in Europe. As expected, London tops the list as the most active market as it remains a favourite amongst owners, operators and developers.

Outside of the capital, the north-western cities of Liverpool and Manchester are set to add to their inventory over the coming years, with the latter due to get a Treehouse Hotel form Barry Sternlicht’s SH Hotels & Resorts in 2023.

In Scotland, Edinburgh leads the way by number of projects in the pipeline, though Glasgow has a greater keycount owing to the likes of a 500-room Student Hotel set to open in 2022, and the recently announced Virgin Hotel, which will feature 242 guestrooms and a flagship restaurant.

Elsewhere in the UK, Leeds, Birmingham and Cambridge have a significant number of projects in the pipeline, but it looks unlikely London will ever lose its top spot.

Tophotelprojects is a data service to support the design, build, furnishing and operation of hotels worldwide. For more information visit: www.tophotelprojects.com

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Projects Rooms

1

2

3

4

5

LONDON 110 19,560

LIVERPOOL 27 3,657

EDINBURGH 25 4,240

GLASGOW 23 4,356

MANCHESTER 23 4,323

BUSINESS CENTRE

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Of the 474 projects in the UK pipeline, 45% (213 projects) are in the planning phase, and a further 25% (119 projects) under construction, meaning design and procurement selection are under way.

VISION

PRE-PLANNING

Projects 14 Rooms 1,951

Projects 79 Rooms 11,651

PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

Projects 213 Rooms 31,511

PRE-OPENING

Projects 119 Rooms 17,520

Projects 49 Rooms 6,572

GROUPS AND BRANDS In the UK, Hilton Worldwide is the most active group of the big players as it revs up expansion of the Hampton brand. StayCity Aparthotels meanwhile enters the listings for the first time, having secured new financing to fund its growth.

35 18 14 14 8

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

Projects

BRAND

PROJECTS

ROOMS

Hampton by Hilton

17

2,805

Hotel Indigo

8

1,089

Courtyard by Marriott

7

1,271

StayCity Aparthotels

6

1,552

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

6

1,033

Mercure Hotels

5

435

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

4

1,906

Hilton Garden Inn

4

880

NYX Hotels

4

782

Radisson Red

4

657

YEAR OF OPENING

2021 (22%)

2022 (25%)

2023 (11%) 2024 (3%)

UNCONFIRMED (39%)

115

The intelligence source for the hotel investment community

Private equity spots hotel opportunities

And investor BC Partners has agreed to

similar assets are being sought across London,

inject EUR104m of capital into French serviced

for conversion, with up to GBP20m per single

apartment business Edgar Suites. The move will

site available for investment.

Three major private equity investors have

allow Edgar, which currently trades from 18

“The last 12 months has been one of the

revealed plans to invest significantly in the

addresses, to shift from leasing space to owning

most challenging environments the sector

hotel space through a variety of structures. US-

its own properties.

has seen in generations, and over this time

based Acore Capital has taken a first step in a

Xavier O’Quin, president and co-founder of

it has become clear to us that great quality

USD1bn lending spree targeting cash-restricted

the company, told Les Echos that they will look

affordable housing is the bedrock of creating

hotel companies, with a USD200m investment

to acquire and convert small office buildings

safe, healthy communities,” said Lanek Banga,

as Graduate Hotels spends heavily on its first

with floor plates that are inefficient for office

chief executive officer of Oak Housing. “This

pipeline properties in Europe. In Europe,

space. They will also scope out smaller hotels,

has inspired us to do more. To this end, we

BC Partners has taken a bet on the serviced

taking those with less than 50 rooms that may

are delighted to be entering into partnership

apartment niche with a EUR104m investment

be expensive to operate as a hotel, but suit

with Patron Capital to increase our portfolio of

in Edgar Suites. And in the UK, Patron Capital

Edgar’s lean staffing model. O’Quin said that

affordable homes across the country.”

has launched a GBP100m affordable housing

BC’s involvement means not just cash, but

joint venture - with its first buy being a former

“their experience in real estate investment, an

HA PERSPECTIVE

hotel for conversion.

address book and an ability to introduce us to

By Andrew Sangster: While there is a wall of money

owners or sellers”.

chasing hotel deals, there is a wall of money chasing

Earlier this year, Acore Capital raised USD1bn to invest in the US hotel sector, with the aim

Like many other serviced apartment

lots of other real estate deals too, including some

of jumping in with senior loans, mezzanine

businesses during the pandemic, Edgar managed

that are taking advantage of weakness in parts of

debt and preferred equity. Managing partner

to maintain occupancy, averaging 84% for the

the hotel market.

Warren de Haan told Bloomberg his “rescue

year, by targeting lower margin, longer-stay

capital” would be necessary as “we’ve come to

business from new groups of customers.

an inflection point where lenders have no more to give, and borrowers have no more to give”.

116

“Through this acquisition of a stake, we wish to support Edgar Suites and its managers in their

Blackstone, long seen as one of the biggest backers of the hotel sector within PE, has agreed to buy a data centre business called QTS Realty Trust. This US REIT is to be bought for USD6.7bn

And the company has made a major

next phase of growth and thus contribute to the

Then there is the forthcoming rebranding of

investment from that pot into Graduate Hotels,

emergence of a new class of institutional assets,

Colony Capital to DigitalBridge later this month. The

with a USD200m preferred equity injection.

which will meet the demand for new uses in this

move reflects the REIT’s exit from non-digital real

Founded in 2014 by AJ Capital Partners, the

area at the same time,” said Thibault Lauprêtre,

estate including hotels. Rather than hospitality or

brand was reported in early 2021 to be looking

managing director of BC Partners Real Estate.

retail or offices, the company is now only looking at

for a strategic partner to help it maintain

For Patron Capital, its new venture is set to be

growth. Graduate currently has 30 US hotels

all about buying hotels - and then repurposing

and acquired the Randolph in Oxford, and the

them. A GBP100m joint venture with Oak

This is right and proper, with investors picking

former DoubleTree in Cambridge, as its first

Housing and shareholders Bmor and T&B

those parts of the real estate market that most

UK properties. The pair are currently being

Capital aims to acquire assets that can be used

appeals. There is no shortage of would-be investors

refurbished, with the promise of openings later

to create temporary housing, accommodation

in hospitality.

this year. Two additional US properties, in

for key workers or the homeless, and shared

Dallas and Palo Alto, are in the pipeline for 2022

ownership homes.

telecom towers, data centres, fibre and small mobile phone masts.

But the activity in other sectors should serve as a warning against complacency. Hospitality has to

openings. In addition to Graduate, AJ Capital has

The vehicle’s first purchase has been GBP4m

remain competitive and as Patron’s initiative shows,

also been building a separate UK portfolio under

spent on the Kings Paget Hotel in West Drayton,

it is easier than ever to repurpose assets that are not

its Marine & Lawn brand, most recently adding

Hillingdon. The property will be repurposed

delivering a sufficient return.

the Marine Hotel in Troon, from Stellar Asset

to create affordable housing for use by local

With international travel potentially more difficult

Management in September 2020.

authorities and housing associations. More

in the years ahead, and with labour and other

BUSINESS CENTRE

operational costs set to rise substantially, there are

completion of a forward purchase in Stuttgart,

business, the other major operational challenge

numerous challenges that can set back hospitality

picking up a combined scheme that will have a

is knowing which target markets to encourage.

as a sector.

Premier Inn and Adina aparthotel.

The European travel landscape is currently a

Hospitality can no longer be looked at in isolation

Richard Dawes, Director in Savills Hotel

smorgasbord of restrictions, most not bilateral;

by investors. It has to be seen as part of a more

Capital Markets, said demand, and a view that

while other nations more dependent on seasonal

considered analysis of real estate, and particularly

markets will come back long-term, are keeping

leisure travel try desperately to open up for

operational real estate. If investors have the appetite

pricing tight in strong city markets: “Prime

business. The UK is operating a traffic light

for operational risk, hospitality operators need to

yields for leased hotels in Paris, Amsterdam,

system, but many of its green listed destinations

understand their competition is now just as much

Berlin, London and Munich remain sharpest,

- such as Australia and New Zealand – will not

about student housing or new forms of residential

in line with strong levels of investor demand

accept overseas visitors. Meanwhile, France and

as it is other hospitality businesses.

driven by long term fundamentals.” For Paris,

Germany have implemented a temporary ban on

Savills puts the yield at 3.5%, ahead of 3.75% in

any UK visitors, over fears of the virility of the

the other major European markets.

Indian variant of Covid-19.

An upward trend

According to figures collated by Savills, first

In contrast, Greece and Spain are keenly

quarter investment volumes in Europe were

enticing visitors from other parts of Europe,

Investor demand is maintaining hotel prices,

down 49.7% year on year at EUR2.16bn. The

whatever

as hopes of a wave of distressed opportunities

UK was the quarter’s lead market for volume,

governments are giving their citizens. The

fades. But there are signs of a quickening of

at EUR746.5m, ahead of Spain with EUR400m.

Cypriot tourism minister has been in London,

deal pace.

Germany, often a leading hotel investment

lobbying officials to improve his island’s

market, saw a lower volume of deals at

traffic light ranking, on the basis of a low

EUR241.1m.

level of Covid infections, and a highly efficient

In recent weeks, Marathon has completed its GBP180m acquisition of the Project Horizon

advice

those

source

market

portfolio in the UK, picking up a package

“The non-prime segment is likely to

population testing regime. And further afield,

of Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza branded

experience further outward yield pressure,

Thai authorities in Phuket are opening up

properties from seller Cerberus. Provincial UK

driven more directly by tough micro market

the destination to international visitors from

operator Handpicked Hotels snapped up a trio

conditions, and assets’ ESG credentials and

July 1, guaranteeing arrivals access without

of hotels in the Channel Islands, while Highland

financial challenges,” warned Dawes.

quarantine.

Coast Hotels acquired four properties on the Scottish coast.

At Christie & Co, hotels team head Carine

Feeding in the latest UK operational data,

Bonnejean said that the smaller scale private

STR’s Robin Rossmann revealed that the last

KSL-backed Village Hotels scooped the

market remains “very healthy”, with the firm

full week of May, prior to the Bank Holiday,

former Hilton in Bracknell for GBP17.5m to

having exchanged on 160 properties so far

saw seven day rolling occupancy at 46%; he

convert to its Village format. And in Edinburgh,

this year. Bigger deals are ticking over, “and

noted that the figure started the week with 31%

Castleford Partners bought the former Best

there’s been a bit more pitching over the past

booked, while 15% was effectively last-minute

Western Queensferry, which it plans to relaunch

few weeks”, but no significant rise in distress

reservations.

after an upgrade. Dublin landmark the Morrison

opportunities. She expects the maturing of

“Business on the books for this week was

changed hands for EUR65m, as Zetland Capital

government Covid relief loans in coming

40% at the start of the week... so assuming

acquired the hotel from an owner who took the

months to prompt some owners to sell.

the trend of picking up 10%+ during the week

property off NAMA in 2012.

Bonnejean said that staffing and training

continues... actual occupancy should burst past

In mainland Europe, seasoned hotel investors

remain issues for operators: “Reopening is

the 50% mark – making us all feel like glass half

are back in the market once more, after several

proving to be quite challenging. Customers

full kinda people.”

months of holding back. ECE has agreed a club

are more complicated, and you have staff who

Rossmann predicts mainland European

deal to acquire a EUR100m deal to buy the

haven’t worked for 15 months, or who are new

hoteliers ought to be able to expect a similar

191-room Hotel Bonvecchiati in Venice, while

to the sector.”

upward trend, albeit with a one- to two-month

Union Investment has returned with its recent

For those looking to grow international leisure

lag behind the UK.

117

HA PERSPECTIVE

The vehicles are also turning, post-Covid,

At Alpha Real Capital, Patrick Grant, co-

By Andrew Sangster: In a world of near zero or

into a sensible option for cash-strapped hotel

head of long-term income is looking to sign

sometimes negative interest rates, it is tough to

owners to tap a new source of capital to support

more ground leases: “Over the next year, we’re

see how yields will move out, allowing prices to

businesses as they rebuild trade. As with any

expecting to be net investors in hotels.” In

fall. And in a world set for the strongest economic

debt instrument, there are some ground rent

general, demand from investors such as pension

growth since World War II, it is similarly hard to see

vehicles in distress.

funds is there for an asset that they can simply

any correction, however irrational current pricing

In London, one recent deal saw hotel owner

appears. Finally, there is the wall of money waiting

Vivion pull in GBP54.3m by agreeing a ground

Alpha has substantial interests in commercial

to be deployed. There has never been as much capital

lease on the St Martins Lane Hotel. Investment

ground leases, with just under GBP2bn under

examining opportunities in the sector. These three

manager LaSalle acquired the 200-year lease,

management and around GBP400m worth of

factors make it exceptionally unlikely that there

which will pay GBP1.2m a year – reflecting a

those in hotels. “Our commercial ground rents

will be widespread discounting of hospitality assets,

yield of around 2%. Accor manages the property,

are 90% in operational real estate. And we’re

despite what has been the most traumatic period of

branded under its SBE collection, and the hotel

always focused on diversity, but we do like

trading most operators have ever seen.

is owned by Luxembourg-based Vivion.

hotels.”

But it is also true that hospitality businesses have

Vivion owns 56 UK hotels, largely mainstream

Grant said one of the positives to emerge from

highly stressed capital structures, many of which

branded, and in 2019 acquired the Sanderson

the pandemic is likely to be “it will put a stop

require significant injections of new equity. So far,

and St Martins Lane hotels from Qatari investors

to the overgearing of ground rents.”

the overwhelming bulk of lenders to the industry

for GBP255m. Shortly after completing the

Alpha preference is for exposure to no more

have shown great forbearance. Covenants are well

ground lease transaction, it was able to pay

than 15% of sustainable NOI. A typical ground

under water in many instances but there are few

down GBP58m of secured debt, doing away with

rent deal will have a 125-175 year length, with

signs of foreclosures.

a GBP1.9m per year interest bill. St Martins is

a final GBP1 buyback option for the tenant.

The French philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville

the largest hotel asset in the portfolio, which

“We’re judicious in where we set rents, and

said revolutions start not when societies are at their

also includes large Holiday Inns in London’s

our experience has been relatively benign.”

lowest point but usually when conditions started to

Regents Park, and outside Heathrow Airport.

Tenants have been prepared to pay this first

James Miller of CMS has advised on a number

slice of costs in the capital stack, with a few

of ground lease transactions in this sector.

moving to monthly payments to ease cashflow,

As businesses begin to start becoming profitable

He says the market for the instruments is

but no defaults.

again, lenders are going to ask borrowers to make

recovering, after a quiet year: “In 2020, there

Grant said ground leases stand in the current

good the deficiencies in the capital structure.

was a scarcity of new deals, because as a lessor,

market as a potentially useful capital source.

Either the owner will find the cash from their own

there was pretty much nothing you could do if

The issue that people have is that banks are

resources, or the asset will trade.

they didn’t pay.”

trying to deleverage, and won’t want to lend

get better. A not dissimilar timeline can be expected with the recovery in hospitality.

118

hold long term, and earn a fixed return from.

If the asset does trade, unless there is some

Now, with an exit from the pandemic

further: “There are going to be liquidity issues”.

underlying shift in economic conditions, prices

clear, “I think the positive to come out of

The vehicle can provide a permanent, low-cost

are going to be where they were pre-Covid.

the government’s roadmap is that there is

option. Grant said Alpha is writing new leases,

The exceptions are going to be assets which are

something to work with. We are working on

but will be wary of writing rents that are too

incorrectly positioned for future demand or those

several heads of terms.”

high in the current environment, or of taking on

that are in an unproven and higher risk segment.

Miller sees several reasons why a hotel might

assets that may see a slower return of their hotel

Think things like regional conference hotels for the

look at the opportunity. “A ground lease is a

guests. “For us, the issue is not the next two to

former and fancy new concepts for the latter.

good way to fund capex, or bail out shareholders

three years, but we need to be comfortable about

who have been supporting the business.”

how they will stabilise.” It is always possible to

Bright future for ground rents

He says any deal needs to thoroughly assess

revisit arrangements later, he said: “For us, it is

the risks. “You’re entering into a long-term

easier to put more capital in, than take it out.”

arrangement with a counterparty who is not an

In December 2020, infrastructure investor

Fresh from a pandemic stress test, ground rent

investment grade covenant. So you need to look

Macquarie Asset Management launched a move

investments in the hotel sector look poised to

at the underlying business that pays the rent.

into the niche. Hugo James, who moved from

build in volume once more, as investor demand

But right now, the problem is working out the

Alpha to be managing director in the group’s

continues to rise.

income stream for 2021-22.”

private credit team, told Hotel Analyst: “We

BUSINESS CENTRE

believe that ground leases could provide an

HA PERSPECTIVE

good news about yields. In the case of Land Securities,

attractive new source of capital for hotel owners

By Andrew Sangster: There is a paradox at the heart

it said the equivalent yield on its hotel portfolio was

as we come out of lockdown – both for funding

of the ground rent debate. Many capital structures

5.5%. This is better than leisure at 6.9% (22.9% drop

new acquisitions, and to help restructure

featuring ground rent are seen as vulnerable in the

in valuation); better than regional shopping centres

existing investments. For stressed investment

current environment and yet, ground rent structures

at 7.6% (down a massive 38.2% in value); better

structures, the introduction of a commercial

can be used to fix problem capital stacks.

than retail parks at 7.6% (down 10.1% in value).

ground lease may allow the senior debt

As with many financial instruments, particularly

Offices, London Retail and Other Central London

provider to have their debt materially reduced

new or unfamiliar ones, the problem is not the

were better than hotels (4.6%, 4.5% and 4.4%

in quantum and allow working capital for the

approach itself but rather how it is applied. In the

respectively with valuation drops of 4.3%, 26.7% and

business without the need for equity holders to

case of troubled capital stacks featuring ground

1.2%). This is a remarkable situation and proves that

put in more capital.”

rents, the problem has come because owners have

hotels are well and truly a stable asset class.

“We are actively considering a number of opportunities in the sector as the long-term

tried to pile on too much debt, usually to bridge what was an overly ambitious acquisition price.

fundamentals remain strong,” said James.

In such scenarios, additional equity is usually the

“Well-located, suitable assets with realistic

only solution, either from the existing owners or via

forecasts and sensible capital structures

the asset or assets trading. How, then, can ground

remain attractive investment opportunities

rents be used with already stressed structures? The

for us to consider.” And the main reason for

answer is found in the old joke about how porcupines

turning down opportunities, he added, is where

make love: by being very careful.

the overall leverage is simply too high, taking

If there is headroom for more debt in the capital

account of a ground lease, senior and junior

structure, which can be possible for deals struck

debt.

before the market became frothier in the last few years, then there is a deal to be done.

HA PERSPECTIVE

Traditional sources of debt capital have mostly

By Chris Bown: It wasn’t so long ago that ground

dried up in this environment. What is available is

leases were seen as financial alchemy, a sort of

priced, to quote one hotelier, at “eyewatering”

2+2=5 of investment valuation - with consultants

levels. Ground rents, on the other hand, can be a

worrying out loud about how they would fare.

much more economical way to raise debt.

But they’ve made it from that stage to what

And this brings us on to the valuation issue and

looks now to be an acceptable part of the funding

whether there is indeed room to take on more debt.

landscape. Well maybe not entirely, though those

Given how well prices have held up, the answer is

involved with punchy deals, that have fallen over in

that in previously well-structured deals done a few

the last year, were not going to talk openly to us.

years ago, there is probably space.

However, below the punchy debt threshold, there’s

The REIT Land Securities released its full-year

an appetite for the solid, very long-term income

results this week that showed its 23-strong portfolio

streams right now, and there’s a formula that

of hotel properties, 21 of which are let to Accor, had

has survived one of the most turbulent periods of

suffered a decrease of 13.4% in the year to 31 March.

business in most people’s lives.

There is a similar decline of 10% or so that is

There still remains the small issue of buying and

emerging across numerous portfolios of good

selling hotel assets that are encumbered with ground

quality hotel assets globally, although much of this

leases, but those inside the niche believe that should

evidence is so far anecdotal. Were these assets to

not really be more than another line in the valuation

trade, however, it is doubtful there would be much

spreadsheet, as an asset comes to market. With some

of a decline at all. Where assets are trading, pricing

ground rules established for that, it appears ground

is holding up at levels achieved in 2019.

leases have made it from edgy financial instrument, into mainstream funding tool.

As well as the good news about values being relatively robust – remarkable given the depth of the trading downturn – there is the correspondingly

Hotel Analyst is the news analysis service for those involved with financing hotel property or hotel operating companies.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.hotelanalyst.co.uk

119

London: A Decade of Hotel Performance London has enjoyed strong hotel performance across all three metrics over the past 10 years, driven by growing demand from international tourists and business travellers, as well as the hosting of large-scale events.

Conferences, exhibitions, concerts and sporting events all contribute to growth, however their occurrence doesn’t always show in the data. 2012 in particular was a big year for the city with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, and although there was ADR and RevPAR growth, occupancy fell due to an influx of new supply and the fact that regular tourists were deterred from booking trips.

Over the decade, the data shows that RevPAR has grown every year – other than an incremental fall in 2016 – rising from £101.61 in 2010 to a high of £128.44 in 2019. ADR largely follows suit with 2019 again being a record year. In fact, monthly data shows that in June 2019, both metrics reported their best ever performance for any June; ADR was £159.95, up 15.7% on the same month in 2018, while RevPAR was £178.20, marking an 11.3% rise.

As expected, full-year data for 2020 painted a bleak picture with occupancy falling 56% to 36.7% and RevPAR by 68.8% to just £40.09 – the lowest for any year on record in STR’s UK database.

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for global hospitality sectors.

For more information and to subscribe visit: www.str.com

120

OCCUPANCY There has been little variation in London’s occupancy over the past ten years, with it peaking in 2018 and 2019 before a major drop off in 2020 owing to the pandemic-related closures.

2010

82.3%

2.1

2011

82.2%

0.2

2012

80.6%

1.8

2013

82.5%

2.3

2014

82.8%

0.4

2015

82.0%

0.9

2016

81.3%

0.9

2017

81.7%

0.5

2018

83.4%

2.1

2019

83.4%

0

2020

36.7%

56.0

% change is calculated in comparison with the same time period the previous year

BUSINESS CENTRE

ADR Currency in GBP. % change is calculated in comparison with the same time period the previous year

160

3.3% 3.5%

1%

2.2% 2.4%

4.6%

140

8.2%

-0.3% -2%

8.3%

120

-29%

100

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

REVPAR Currency in GBP. % change is calculated in comparison with the same time period the previous year

140 8%

120

2.7%

0.2%

2.9%

4%

1.2%

3%

3.3%

10.5% -1.2%

100 80 60 40

-68.8%

20

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

121

C U S TO M C A R P E T S R E A L I Z E D. WWW.CREATIVEMATTERSINC.COM CERTIFIED LABEL STEP PARTNER – IMPROVING THE WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF CARPET WEAVERS. PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY METHODS OF PRODUCTION.

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SIPPING

THROUGH THE YEARS A L O O K B A C K AT L O N D O N ’ S AWA R D - W I N N I N G H O T E L S

AHEAD is well-known for its quality and variety of entries, attracting tented camps in the wilds of Africa to shiny newbuilds in sprawling urban hubs to compete for the industry’s leading hospitality design accolade. In Europe, winners have been widespread, but given that London is a hub of creative talent, the city has been something of a hotbed for shortlisted and triumphant projects. Sitting between East and West, having a common language and being a good investment centre as a global financial capital make it a popular choice amongst owners, operators and developers, while the city’s multiplicity of cultures also helps nurture it as an epicentre for some of the globe’s leading architectural and design studios.

All these elements combine to make its hospitality sector a hive of activity, home to some of the most recognised landmark properties worldwide,

including game changers such as Blakes, and the pioneering minimalist examples of The Metropolitan and The Hempel. There is sufficient demand for a profusion of business-focused operations and the capital is avant-garde enough to cultivate those at the cutting edge of experience and design.

As such, many of London’s hotels have been recognised by AHEAD, known until 2016 as the European Hotel Design Awards. In the early years, wins for the capital’s properties were few and far between. A few standout moments include 2009 Hotel of the Year (HOTY) for The Boundary by Conran & Partners, and this despite the fact that it did not win either of the individual categories in which it was shortlisted. By 2011, the city started hitting its straps with victory in five out of 10 categories and the HOTY Award for the new addition to the Fairmont

www.aheadawards.com

000

AHEAD

London hotels to make the AHEAD shortlist over the years include (clockwise from top left) Four Seasons London at Ten Trinity Square, The Mandrake, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The Ned and Treehouse Hotel

stable, The Savoy. Judges applauded the work of Pierre-Yves Rochon and Reardon Smith Architects, noting that “the whole design came together in one coherent story”.

The following year saw multiple shortlistings for London but no wins, though Bulgari Hotel & Residences by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel (Newbuild) and the Plum & Spilt Milk restaurant in the Great Northern Hotel by Archer Humphryes Architects both triumphed in 2013. The much-referenced Ace Hotel London by Universal Design Studio and EPR won in 2014. A year later saw three Parisian hotels scoop five category wins plus HOTY for Les Bain by Tristan Auer and RDAI, with London only managing two.

By now the awards had gained real momentum, with attendees at Park Plaza Westminster – directly across the River Thames from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – numbering over 800 in 2015.

Dress codes were introduced soon after, with highlights being Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and John and Yoko’s Bed-ins for Peace.

In 2017, the scheme was rebranded as AHEAD – the Awards for Hospitality Experience & Design – becoming part of a global programme comprising four regions: Americas, Asia, Europe and MEA. Whilst commercial and operational viability and the effective use of budget continued to play a role in the judges’ decision-making, they were now being asked to critique the hotels with an additional layer of integrity, looking beyond the pure design aesthetics to see the bigger impact of experientialism. The awards hit the zeitgeist with an idea that still strongly resonates in the world of hospitality design.

2017 also saw London come alive and take the awards by storm. The charge was led by The Ned, a joint venture by Soho House & Co and Sydell Group, born from the conversion of the former Midland Bank head office in the heart of the city. The adaptive re-use of a site that had been considered and rejected by many before was transformed into a lifestyle destination dominated by a ground-floor F&B plaza with multiple venues fanned out around a central, raised bandstand – all assembled by the in-house Soho House Design team together with EPR Architects.

In addition to shortlistings for the Bar, Club or Lounge, Guestrooms and Urban Hotel – Conversion categories, The Ned picked up the trophies for Event Spaces, Restaurant (Millie’s Lounge) and Spa & Wellness (Ned’s Club Relax). No surprise then that it also took home the coveted Hotel of the Year accolade. And this with competition from the likes of Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Leman Locke, The Curtain and CitizenM Tower of London.

If The Ned walked away with the spoils, consider the other London-based interior designers who were recognised that year.

Building on their success with Ace Hotel London in 2014, Universal Design Studio secured two wins with At Six in Stockholm (Guestrooms and Urban Hotel Conversion) and a further two shortlistings (Lobby & Public Spaces and Restaurant). Michaelis Boyd Associates were shortlisted for the Principal Manchester in Event Spaces, Restaurant, and Hotel Renovation & Restoration, a category where they also featured with the Kimpton De Witt, Amsterdam. Goddard Littlefair and David Collins Studio were both recognised for

their work on Gleneagles, Scotland. Dexter Moren Associates in Event Spaces and Urban Hotel Newbuild for The Curtain. 1508 London for The Lanesborough Club & Spa. Archer Humphryes Architects for Suites at The Lalit London. Sheppard Robson for CitizenM. Aukett Swanke for Four Seasons. London’s talent pool is strong.

A further 14 shortlistings across all categories – except understandably Resorts – continued London’s roll in 2018. Amongst them was The Mandrake, which unusually for a city property received the Landscape & Outdoor Spaces award, with judges commenting: “The Mandrake’s courtyard evokes a sensuous urban garden where space, light, magical plants and guests intertwine. The highlight, conceived

by Bureau Bas Smets and Manalo & White, is a three-storey hanging curtain of Jasmine and passion flowers, cloaking the surrounding building and scenting the entire space.”

The year’s other winner was Studio Mica for its work on the Lobby & Public Spaces at Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, where the judges saw “double-height doors adorned with a layered pattern inspired by traditional Sumi-e brush strokes telling of the tranquillity within”. And whilst it is difficult to attribute a train to a particular destination, the winner of the Suite category was the London office of Wimberly Interiors for its design aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

The success of the awards saw the launch in 2019 of a series of brunches to run alongside each of the regional ceremonies, providing an opportunity for guests to learn more from the people behind that year’s shortlisted projects.

In Europe, the awards had outgrown the Park Plaza and moved to Evolution, a supersized

AHEAD

Clockwise from top left: The Standard, Belmond Cadogan, CitizenM Tower of London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and The Stratford are amongst the hotels to have impressed AHEAD’s judging panel

tented venue that was transformed for the evening into a Brooklyn-style block party complete with a live graffiti installation and breakdancers. Over 1,100 hoteliers, architects and designers watched the finale, which was the culmination of 216 entries – up almost 10% on the previous year – across 24 European countries. It was a rare night for London, with fewer shortlisted properties than usual and even fewer winners.

Nevertheless, those shortlisted in 2019 ranged right across the city, starting in the East with The Stratford by Space Copenhagen (Guestrooms). Next, The Dixon by Consarc Design Group and Twenty2Degrees for Provisioners Restaurant and, with Evolve Agency, the Visual Identity Award. Continuing West was the entry of Vintry & Mercer by Dexter Moren Associates (Event Spaces) and more London competition in the Restaurant category with the Spanish-influenced Zela at ME London by Studio Gronda. The Rockwell Bar by Brady Williams at The Trafalgar St James London and the suites at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park by Joyce Wang Studio rounded out the shortlistings.

The only London property making it to the top step of the podium however was Belmond Cadogan. The judges praised the work of Beck and GA Group, reflecting on the “clever reworking of the old entrance to make it feel light, airy and inviting”.

2020 saw the awards go virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, though there was still a theme – The Masked Ball – with details outlined in a Masquerade Manifesto. The team at Stylt Trampoli scooped the award for best masks and earned a bottle of limited-edition Rome de Bellegarde XO for their efforts.

After a relatively quiet year in 2019, London was back with a vengeance. Nine hotels netting 14 shortlistings, including an unprecedented five-out-of-five London entries in the Bar category, and even two in the same hotel – Great Scotland Yard, with both 40 Elephants and Sibin by HBA in the running. Competing alongside them were The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych by Jestico & Whiles and Fabled Studio, The Malt Lounge at The Prince Akatoki

by B3 Designers, and Double Standard at The Standard London by Shawn Hausman Design.

The latter took home the trophy.

Shortlisted in the city were Hart Shoreditch in the Hotel Newbuild category, marking a second listing for Fabled Studio. New York-based Grzywinski + Pons were also in contention with Locke at Broken Wharf (Lobby & Public Spaces), while Great Scotland Yard missed out again to The Standard, this time in the Hotel Conversion category. 2020 also saw the first of Barry Sternlicht’s Treehouse Hotels open, with the Keane Brands-designed project shortlisted for Hotel Restoration & Renovation. The Hélène Darroze restaurant at The Connaught by Pierre Yovanovitch, and the Lincoln House suite by tonychi studio at Rosewood London completed another good showing for the capital.

The big winner on the night however was the first location for The Standard brand outside of the US. Scooping the awards for Hotel Conversion, Lobby & Public Spaces and Restaurant for Decimo, The Standard London was praised loquaciously by the judges – “a well-conceived design that creates a gorgeous atmosphere” they said of the Double Standard bar, adding of its restaurant, “Decimo is the perfect venue for a confident, immersive

dining experience. A restaurant with a point of view.” The conversion of the former local authority offices in Kings Cross was described as “a stunning transformation that is cohesive and animated” and “an audacious design that reflects the building’s history”.

With four category wins in the bag, The Standard also picked up the HOTY award.

“Bang!” said one of the judges. “The Standard London hits you front and centre. The striking exterior goes hand-in-hand with a great interior narrative and strong cultural programming, bringing a variety of spaces to life. Bold, disruptive and fearless, the design is an avalanche for the senses. The colour, noise, vibrancy and graphic motifs are all clamouring for your attention. Add in the truly decadent style of The Standard and you have a perfect blend of relaxed sophistication. This is a hotel that provokes. And there are plenty of layers for us all to discover within this emblematic project.” High praise indeed.

As we go to press on the latest issue of Sleeper, entries for AHEAD Europe are in progress and there’s plenty from London in the running. Claridge’s, a second hotel from Nobu, and Bermonds Locke to name but a few, not to mention The Hoxton Holborn – the first of the brand now brought up-to-date – The Mayfair Townhouse and the eagerly awaited NoMad London. Will the capital continue to enjoy success? Find out as we celebrate at Evolution on 19 November. May the best hospitality experience and design win!

AHEAD Europe 2021 is currently open for entries, with hotels that opened between June 2020 and May 2021 eligible. Visit the website for further information and to purchase tickets.

9 SEPTEMBER 2021

16 SEPTEMBER 2021

3 NOVEMBER 2021

19 NOVEMBER 2021

CAESARS BLUEWATERS – DUBAI

VIRTUAL

FAENA FORUM – MIAMI

EVOLUTION – LONDON

www.aheadawards.com

Luxury Hotel Collection

Since 1924, Sleepeezee continues to work in partnership with world-class hotels to provide the perfect sleep experience for their guests. www.sleepeezee.com/hospitality

Leave The Rest To Us

THE LOBBY 24th August 2021 Villa Copenhagen - Denmark Can you tell us in just a few words – what is The Lobby?

It is all about love, passion and ambition. It’s a love for the hotel business.

It’s a passion to change it and it’s an ambition to actually do something.

What prompted you to launch The Lobby originally?

We had the opportunity to launch a hotel event back in 2018 and soon discovered there were no similar events in Scandinavia. So the first event was in many ways a pilot project. But everyone who came loved the concept, so we decided to upscale the event and move it from Herning to Copenhagen for the 2019 event.

What is your mission with the Lobby?

The general idea is to challenge the business - to revamp it and really make a difference. It’s about challenging people to act in new ways, and to make a transformation into the future, where love and community comes first instead of occupancy rate and bottom line. Money should always be a consequence of your values and your leadership style, purpose and vision.

Much of the hotel industry still thinks and acts in traditional way. We believe service, design and luxury must come together. The feeling of luxury does not have to be about materiality. Luxury can be an enriching conversation. A scent of passion. A special atmosphere. A loving embrace.

The Lobby is a movement. A meeting place in constant development. A family where we help each other, debate challenges and ask for help.

Who is behind the Lobby?

The Lobby is two dedicated and passionate hotel aficionados – Dorte Bagge and Mads Arlien-Søborg. We come from very different backgrounds, Dorte working as a supplier to the hotel industry first at Bang & Olufsen, then Kvadrat and now with Louis Poulsen. Mads is a lifestyle and design consultant and now Head of PR at the Danish

Architectural firm 3XN. But together we share the passion and love for the hotel industry. We are fascinated by a holistic hotel experience that teases all the senses. We are curious about what creates innovative concepts and adds value to the business, the guest and the world.

Who were the main speakers at the first event and how was it received?

For the first event we actually just reached out to all our friends in the industry and those we knew could make an inspiring appearance on stage. What’s important to us is that our speakers can move and inspire people. That they can challenge us, tease our curiosity and present new surprising perspectives.

What are your plans for 2021? How has the pandemic affected them?

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2020 event and postpone it a year.

Luckily all our speakers from 2020 agreed to be part of the event in 2021 so the programme is more or less the same. Now we look forward to the event and are pleased that everyone including our sponsors, partners and speakers are onboard.

Can you tell us more about your new venue, Villa Copenhagen?

Well, the Villa opened last year during the pandemic so it’s been a tough start. But it’s such a great place, a modern design hotel and a perfect match for The Lobby. The location right in the center of Copenhagen makes it easy for our international guests to attend the event.

What are the topics / themes you are planning to address?

We want to address several topics this year. The industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and we need to find new fuel for change. We believe hospitality players must recognise they need to innovate to remain hyperrelevant for guests, as well as to grow in these difficult times. Yet, they have not necessarily turned this awareness into action. In some ways, the industry has been lagging behind in its innovation efforts. One of the reasons for that failure is the fragmentation of decision-making processes, the lack of accountability on costs, and the dispersal of the budgeting process.

We will also address what we call new ‘eco- systems’ in the business.

We want to address new collaboration models that dare to take responsibility for involving people who are excluded from society and including them in innovation and business. Who would like to be part of an eco-system where the solutions are created shoulder-to-shoulder in rewarding networks at all levels.

“It’s about challenging people to act in new ways, and to make a transformation into the future, where love and community comes first.”

We like to think that we speak where others don’t. Gender equality (or the lack of same if you will) in the hotel business is a serious issue for us so we will highlight this issue this year. Other topics will include ‘homeless hospitality’ and even the new concept of space tourism.

Are there any key speakers you would like to highlight in particular?

We don’t highlight specific speakers. They all deserve to be mentioned.

We are deeply committed to gather all the visionary heads in the industry to create true innovation. So this year you see names such as Bjarke Ingels, Ilse Crawford, Guy Heywood, Jan Garde, Henning Weiss, Suzanne Oxenaar, Pia Heidenmark Cook, Frida Oddsdottir, Jan Elhøj and Morten Kirckhoff, Mikkel Juel Iversen and more to come…

What steps are you taking in response to the COVID pandemic to ensure guests’ safety / comfort?

Safety always comes first. We are working closely with Villa Copenhagen to ensure that all regulations are being followed. Everyone can feel 100% safe at the Lobby.

If you could give potential guests three reasons this is a ‘must-attend’ event what would they be?

Well first of all, lots of new inspiration to absorb and pass on. Secondly, the joy of meeting again face-to-face, to meet colleagues, friends and business partners both new and existing. And lastly, in all modesty, we believe we have a great line-up of speakers and guests which we are very proud of.

What do you hope will be achieved with this third edition of The Lobby?

Well, many in the hotel industry talk about innovation, but it´s difficult for many to bring it to the guest. We want to create lasting change through new collaborations that are driven by love for the sensuous, complete hotel experience – and less by profit. We hope to be a place for new collaborations between organisations and people who dare to be brave, curious and challenge the existing order, so that change comes out at all levels and creates new, sustainable actions.

Book your ticket and get more info at www.thelobbycph.com

V

irtual alternatives have no doubt served

BACK IN BUSINESS

a purpose during the trying times of late,

It’s not just hotels readying themselves for a

but there’s a key element often missing

wave of events either, with exhibition centres

when people take to their screens from home

putting all of the necessary protocols in place to

rather than attending an event in-person – the

ensure they can throw open their doors. Design

all-important networking. How many times

Centre Chelsea Harbour has announced that

have business opportunities arisen from a

Focus/21 will take place from 19-24 September,

chance run-in, or at the bar in the early hours?

with the 120 showrooms on site presenting their

There are, however, reasons to be optimistic

new season collections alongside a programme

that these encounters will return in the near

of talks, workshops and artisan demonstrations.

future, as governments around the world

Magazine London on the banks of the River

continue to test the waters on large-scale

Thames meanwhile will be home to the inaugural

gatherings in line with the easing of social

Design London – formerly 100% Design – from

distancing regulations. Kickstarting the road to

22-25 September. The purpose-built venue is

recovery, these pilots are providing light at the

located by a dynamic new Design District, which

end of the tunnel for the hospitality sector.

will offer affordable office and studio space

On-Screen or In-Person...

With the UK’s pilot events beginning to pave the way for the return of largescale gatherings, London’s hospitality industry is gearing up for an actionpacked end to the year.

Words: Ben Thomas

132

FLEXIBILITY FIRST

exclusively for the creative industries when it

One of the fundamental learnings from the

opens this summer.

pandemic is the need to be more flexible,

North of the river, Olympia London – set to

something that hotels across the capital are

undergo a £1.3 billion regeneration over the

taking on board as they reopen their event spaces.

next four years, becoming a new neighbourhood

Operators have been proactive in developing

in itself – will welcome Decorex for the second

concepts geared towards hybrid events; Accor

time from 10-13 October, with its line up of high-

teamed up with Microsoft to combine physical

end exhibitors and installations accompanying a

in-hotel meetings with simultaneous virtual

circus-inspired bar designed by Sara Cosgrove.

interactions, and Radisson installed more

And the cruise sector is preparing to bring

advanced technology in its workspaces. The

live events back to UK shores too; docking at

Royal Lancaster London meanwhile introduced

ExCeL London from 1-2 December, Cruise Ship

a Smart Studio for virtual, hybrid or live events,

Interiors Expo Europe is looking to reunite

installing an extended reality stage, broadcast

the industry for two days of networking and

cameras and TV-ready lighting. The eagerly

conference sessions after what has been a

awaited Pan Pacific London will show off its

turbulent 18 months.

tech-savvy ballroom from September, while

And finally, in what will no doubt be a

The Londoner is set to introduce a 864-capacity

jubilant celebration, AHEAD Europe will return

pillarless ballroom, flexible meeting spaces and

to Evolution on 19 November, honouring the

two private screening rooms powered by the

best in hospitality experience and design across

technology of Odeon Luxe.

the continent.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

ever-changing story of hospitality design. We

An event that has also got the industry talking

like the idea of joining the dots.”

is HIX; dedicated to the world of hospitality,

Uniting emerging and established brands

it promises to bring a sense of ‘togetherness

to represent the entire hotel interiors supply

and understanding’. Billed as a unique hotel

chain, the inaugural exhibitor line-up already

design experience, the two-day gathering –

boasts over 100 suppliers from the worlds of

taking place from 18-19 November at London’s

bathrooms, furniture and lighting, with the likes

Business Design Centre in Islington – will

of Roman, Chelsom and Bette all set to present

feature product showcases from a selection

new collections during the show. There’s also

of leading suppliers, a talks programme

technology companies, wallcoverings and beds

addressing life in the post-pandemic world, and

on the bill, not to mention those leading the way

installations from the likes of Stroop, Conran &

in the art, furniture and surfaces sectors. Each

Partners, Areen Design and Christian Sieger –

will be invited to transform their stand into

the overarching idea being that visitors leave

an experience, sparking conversation amongst

feeling inspired about the work they do and the

those in attendance.

community they’re part of.

While the hope is that London – and the

…Bringing the Industry Together “All Together Now has been our mantra since

world, for that matter – will be open without

the first UK lockdown,” explains Founding

restrictions by the time HIX takes place in

Director Joel Butler. “It’s unapologetically

November, Butler and his team will continue

emotive and impossible to measure, but when

to monitor government recommendations,

a group as creative and energetic as the hotel

acknowledging that some attendees may be

design community are separated from one other

cautious. “It’s important that we create a much-

for so long, the rallying cry seems like a pure

needed sense of togetherness whilst ensuring

and simple objective for us.”

that visitors know they can experience space and

Butler continues: “If togetherness comes

solitude if they need it,” he continues, adding

from the heart, then understanding is all about

that HIX is working closely with its host venue

the head. HIX poses one question to the hotel

to ensure a safe and comfortable environment

design community: how can you understand

for those coming through the doors.

consumer needs in order to create a more

Though the hospitality sector has done its

memorable guest experience? We explore the

best to maintain relationships through virtual

solution by tapping into six social shifts –

alternatives, there’s no escaping the power

Meaningful Value, All Together Now, The Hotel

of human interaction. Hybrid events may

Safe, Truth, WFHotel and Compassionate Design

be bridging the gap for now, but there’s an

– and applying them throughout the event as

overwhelming desire to get back to face-to-

interlinked conversations. These conversations

face. After all, hospitality is about people.

flow into our seminar programme, installations and many of our exhibitor’s spaces to tell the

133

1.

SPOTLIGHT SHOWROOMS With London’s showrooms finally reopening their doors to trade, we take a look at what’s in store.

134

1. Table Place Chairs

2. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Commercial and hospitality furniture manufacturer Table Place Chairs offers a complete design-led contract furniture range, from sofas, modular seating, tables and interior objects that have countless customisations, to various fabric options and a wide range of materials all available as standard. Located in Clerkenwell, the brand’s flagship showroom at The Banking Hall is a space designed to embrace the idea of ‘comfort away from home’ in the bustling city of London. Each visit is tailored to fit the client, giving them full access to try the furniture, utilise the specifications room and even explore the old vaults. If a client can’t find the product they are looking for, there is also the option to sit down with the innovations team and sketch out the ideal solution from scratch, then help bring it to life. The Banking Hall now also features Table Place Chairs’ latest product: the Circle of Life, a structural freestanding framework described as the sustainable answer to partitioning walls. www.tableplacechairs.com

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, which houses over 120 showrooms and over 600 luxury brands, has unveiled its trend report for Autumn 2021. New season collections speak of creative confidence, celebrating individuality, freedom and change. Trend highlights include Latin Modernist and New York-inspired Madison Avenue.

Capturing the Latin Modernist trend are the Pinnacle table by Turri featuring sculptural legs; the Altar range

by Daniel Rous for Pierre Frey with rounded lines and organic forms; and the rattan Hamza chair from Arteriors.

The statement Madison Avenue trend meanwhile demonstrates the importance of luxury fabrics and metallic surfaces. The Archiutopia fabric by Studiopepe for Élitis reflects New York’s iconic skyscrapers, while the Carlton fabric by Misia and the Nova wall light by Gladee Lighting have the Art Deco vibe of the Chrysler Building.

All can be viewed in person at Chelsea Harbour during Focus, a week-long open showroom event. www.dcch.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

3.

4.

5.

3. Jung

4. Gira

5. Ultrafabrics

6. B&B Italia

In Clerkenwell – the heart of London’s creative quarter – modern building technology supplier Jung has reopened its showroom to visitors, providing an innovative experience for the local and international architecture and design sectors. The exhibition space showcases multifunctional living on two levels, focusing on comfort, aesthetics and modern technology. The experience combines modular lighting design with intelligent KNX controls and versatile switch ranges, with all products for hotel installations available to test out thanks to a mock-up room. Those looking for bespoke solutions or guidance on electrical planning can also seek advice from one of Jung’s on-site experts. www.jung-group.com

Gira, one of the leading full-range suppliers of intelligent building design and management, has resumed operations at its flagship London showroom in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions. Billed as the UK’s first outlet for smart homes, the Gira by Intalite showroom offers a fully immersive client experience with a display of intelligent lighting, heating, cooling and Smart Home solutions. Experts are also on hand to guide retail and commercial customers – from system integrators and architects to property developers and homeowners – through the new possibilities of an intuitive and automated building with interactive light boxes and conversation-starting displays. www.gira.com

Ultrafabrics’ London showroom has unveiled Fabric Forest, a conceptual installation in collaboration with multidisciplinary design duo, Patternity.

The feature explores the power of pattern and colour in both life and design, using the two mediums to evoke feeling and celebrate Ultrafabrics’ commitment to colour, creativity and innovation. It is also inspired by nature and the unique craftmanship of the brand’s manufacturing process. Utilising Ultrafabrics’ extensive selection of colours and textures, the immersive installation highlights the company’s sustainability journey by avoiding adhesives and additional processes to ensure Fabric Forest can be reused, giving it a second life. www.ultrafabricsinc.com

B&B Italia’s flagship store in South Kensington has recently launched a new customer experience showcasing the Design Holding brands – Flos and Louis Poulsen. Alongside premium kitchen supplier Arclinea, the reshuffled showroom now displays up-to-date presentations on lighting from Flos and Louis Poulsen, as well as giving them dedicated areas for lighting products.

The Flos area is a neutral space in which windows, monitors and panels divide its lamps, each telling their own story; while the Louis Poulsen area cultivates a Scandinavian mood with curved walls.

The new store concept brings together products from various brands, all of which are designed with stylish settings in mind. www.bebitalia.com

135

ST YLISH. ELEGANT. ICONIC.

DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS OF WORKSPACE FURNITURE WWW.GOF.CO.UK

Gresham Sleeper Advertisement June 2021.indd 1

16/06/2021 16:16

SPOTLIGHT FURNITURE

With hospitality welcoming guests indoors once again, attention is shifting back to interior spaces, with designers seeking comfortable, sustainable pieces for their projects.

Kettal Giro For his first collaboration with Kettal, Vincent Van Duysen has designed the Giro collection, inspired by the classic Orkney Chair. The initial idea for the range was centred around sewing ropes together to create the shape of the product itself. As such, Giro brings together polypropylene rope – a natural and sustainable material that can face all kinds of weather – teak eco legs and massed acrylic fabric cushions. Featuring a variety of shapes, textures and materials across the seating options and tables, the range works together harmoniously, blending well with interiors thanks to its tactility and pure lines. www.kettal.com

SPOTLIGHT

2.

3.

4.

1.

138

1. Expormim Armadillo

2. Epoca Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

3. Stellar Works Host

4. Table Place Chairs Circle of Life

Expormim has collaborated with Mut Design to launch Armadillo, a revision of the classic Papasan chair in rattan.

Boasting the sympathetic shyness of the animal from which it gets its name, as well as the unmistakable signature of the Valencian studio in its silhouette, the range blends Mediterranean essence and the craftsmanship of the Spanish manufacturer in a provocative way that encourages users to sit down and relax.

Crafted in Mogente by craftsmen who still bend and sand the rods by hand, the new design is an ode to calm, while its simplicity and attention to tradition echo the ethos of Mut’s founders Alberto Sánchez and Eduardo Villalón. www.expormim.com

Established in 1947, Epoca is a Portuguese furniture manufacturer that supplies bespoke pieces to hospitality projects around the world, offering a turnkey service that goes from planning and drawings through manufacturing to logistics and installation. Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf in St Barth is one of the company’s most recent projects, featuring interiors that reflect the beach spirit of the region. Epoca supplied a selection of the guestrooms with custom beds, side tables, benches, coffee tables, sofas, mirrors and exterior furniture. The firm also designed the bar counter structure, carpentry work, coffee tables and chairs in the public areas. www.epoca.pt

Stellar Works has unveiled Host, its first collaboration with German designer Sebastian Herkner. Known for his unusual shapes and material choices, Herkner has designed a movable wardrobe created in response to the growing need for flexible furniture in both homes and hotels. Herkner’s design features a metal frame that on one side provides generous rail space, and also becomes part of the framework for open shelving and a mirror. Host is partially on wheels to allow flexibility of movement as space requirements change. The rail’s minimalist steel frame is also complemented by a veneer laminate base, solid wood and a large mirror. www.stellarworks.com

Circle of Life is a structural freestanding framework with recycled plastic curtains, created in collaboration with blinds company Stansons. A faster and more cost-effective solution to traditional partitions, the modular system can be extended, reduced, and moved to new locations without interfering with lighting, HVAC, or flooring. Circle of Life is available in three preset sizes for ease of ordering, though the components are also available separately, enabling the framework to be configured for every space. Made from recycled plastic bottles, Stansons’ mesh transparent or acoustic curtains complete the system, with numerous colourways on offer. www.tableplacechairs.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

3.

140

4.

1. B&B Italia Noonu

2. Fritz Hansen Series 7

3. O’Donnell Furniture Makers InterContinental Park Lane

4. Janus et Cie Boxwood in Smoke

Noonu is a new sofa system designed by Antonio Citterio for Italian manufacturer B&B Italia. The range comprises four basic elements, namely a square and a rectangle, in addition to new ‘piano’ and ‘sail’ elements. The piano-shaped base creates a welcoming curve in the backrest, whilst the sail provides a generous, rounded volume at the front.

Each component in the collection has, at its base, a metal profile made from curved, pre-shaped aluminium – the strip runs along the entire perimeter of the frame and comes in a selection of finishes. Noonu is set to be introduced in a new fabric with 12 colour variants, as well as a leather option. www.bebitalia.com

Fritz Hansen has launched an upholstered version of its Series 7 chair, now available in new colours as part of an ongoing collaboration with Carla Sozzani. Originally designed by Arne Jacobsen, Series 7 has been widely used in hospitality settings over the years, bringing together form, function and colour to elevate interior spaces with individual expression. Its new front upholstery adds extra comfort and sophistication, while the addition of several colours that complement one another gives the iconic design endless combinations of subtle warmth. Made-toorder and customised solutions are also available for special projects. www.fritzhansen.com

Bespoke furniture manufacturer and installer, O’Donnell Furniture Makers, specialises in casegoods for luxury hotel markets. At its factory in West Cork, O’Donnell produces wardrobes, headboards and desks, together with tables, wall panelling and doors. The fourth generation family-run business also has an extensive portfolio of projects, having worked with various hotel groups, independent hotel owners, main contractors and leading procurement companies. Most recently, the team at O’Donnell crafted several custom-fitted furniture pieces for InterContinental Park Lane in Mayfair as part of the hotel’s refurbishment of its 120 guestrooms. www.odonnellfurniture.com

Janus et Cie has added to its Boxwood collection with Smoke, a subdued yet striking new Janusfiber option that incorporates various shades of grey.

Handwoven around powder-coated aluminium frames, the alluring finish joins an expansive collection of dining, lounge and modular pieces that fuse design, craft and technology. Envisioned by American designer Janice Feldman, who founded the company in 1978, the Boxwood range comprises chairs, sofas, loungers and tables. As one of Janus et Cie’s Masterpiece collections, it is engineered with the finest materials available, achieving a high level of complexity in both design and fabrication. www.janusetcie.com

SPOTLIGHT

1.

2.

142

3.

1. Minotti Torii

2. Bernhardt Hospitality Foundations

3. Poltrona Frau Volare Due

Designed by Nendo for Minotti, Torri is a new collection of tables and seats characterised by refined craftsmanship and careful design details stemming from Japanese tradition. The collection is named after the metal structure of the chair and table legs, which recalls the image of the ‘torii’, the gateway to the Shinto shrines of Japan. Torii comprises sofas with high or low backrests and a linear shape that is rounded at the arms, as well as inclined sofas with a combination of two different depths, and armchairs for lounges and dining areas. There’s also ottomans, coffee tables and a slender, oval-shaped console table ideal for placing anywhere in the living area. The variety of products makes it possible to design a flexible layout in which the individual elements can also be combined to create strong visual unity. All upholstered elements can be customised – clients can choose from 100% fabric or leather, or fabric with a leather base. www.minotti.com

Established in 1889 in North Carolina, Bernhardt Furniture Company is one of the largest family-owned furniture brands in the US. The company runs five brands in order to cater to different markets, from residential to offices.

Bernhardt Hospitality supplies commercial furniture to the travel and leisure market, with a range available through architectural and design firms. Elemental and unadorned, the new Foundations collection builds on the fundamental beauty of simple forms and perfect balance. Clean lines and intersecting planes define a sophisticated design aesthetic, softened by relaxed finishes in a palette of oyster and driftwood grays, while cerused, wire-brushed acacia reveals a deep, tactile grain, and woven textiles blend with various finishes for an impression of seamless continuity. The collection feels reflective and calm, with an inherent tranquility – it’s a new, refined expression of modern rustic. www.bernhardthospitality.com

Volare Due is an evolution of Robert Lazzeroni’s Volare bed. Designed for Italian heritage brand Poltrona Frau, the new model exudes the same elegance as its predecessor but without the imposing grandeur of a four-poster bed. Volare Due strikes a balance between aesthetic impact and airiness; the structure frames the space with its triangular profile in solid ash wood and a moka finish. Suspended between the ash wood frame is a headboard upholstered in Pelle Frau or Saddle Extra leather, while the continuity is broken by the functional and decorative leather belts that support two soft padded cushions. The tulipwood bed frame, upholstered entirely in Cuoio Saddle Extra or Pelle Frau leather, becomes a tapered platform that acts as a border for the mattress and is supported by two external triangularprofile solid ash wood feet. Volare Due is equally at home in the centre of the room or against the wall. www.poltronafrau.com

25 MORRIS RD, LEICESTER, LE2 6AL TEL: 01162706946 WWW.EESMI TH.CO.UK SOCI AL @EESMITHCONTRACTS

SPOTLIGHT

2.

3.

4.

1.

144

1. Palecek Jam

2. Excalibur Furniture Skara

3. Morgan Porto Swivel

4. Nicholas Haslam Paolo Moschino

Created by celebrity designer Jeffrey Alan Marks in collaboration with Andrew T. Palecek, Jam is inspired by an array of eras and aesthetics. The new designs are influenced by Marks’ world travels, love of nature, and desire to create pieces that are both functional and timeless.

The collection appeals to a wide range of environments, from ranch to coast, and features natural materials to lend texture and warmth to any living space. Inspired by designs that are highly coveted at auctions around the world, the versatile Jam pieces are finished, upholstered and assembled in Palecek’s Northern California facility to meet the needs of various interior styles. www.palecek.com

Excalibur is an established supplier of high-end hospitality furniture known for offering a hands-on approach. Produced in Italy and upholstered in the UK, the brand’s Skara range offers a stylish seating solution for luxury hotel interiors.

Specifiers can configure their own Skara chair by choosing from a high- or lowback model with either a show wood back or a fully upholstered version.

There is also a choice of four base styles including a stylish four-star wooden base, as shown above, which can be rotated a full 360 degrees. Skara forms part of a Soft Seating range from Excalibur Furniture that includes fixed seats, swivel chairs and rocking chairs. www.efchairs.co.uk

Contract furniture designer and manufacturer Morgan has introduced a new piece to its minimal and versatile Porto chair collection, which features ergonomics and foam specification that ensures comfort in dining, lounge and work configurations. The Porto armchairs can be specified with an upholstered base, a show wood timber base, a steel frame base or a new swivel base.

Customisable by design, the swivel base expands the collection’s versatility even further and is available across the five Porto chair options, with its light aluminium finish complementing the minimal upholstery to provide a modern luxurious feel in working environments. www.morganfurniture.co.uk

Owned and run by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, Nicholas Haslam is a design studio creating residential and hospitality interiors around the world.

The brand’s Paolo Moschino collection is constantly evolving with luxury furniture that complements a range of interior design style in any room, while many pieces are available to customise in size, colour and wiring specification. As represented in its most recent hospitality project – Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Sicily – Nicholas Haslam can readily manufacture furniture, lighting, fabrics and mirrors to comply with not only design and budget requirements but also with global hospitality regulations. www.nicholashaslam.com

TABLE PLACE CHAIRS

A structural free standing framework with hanging recycled plastic curtains, the sustainable answer to partitioning walls.

Creating sustainable places with Stansons_

Circle of Life_ Icons of Design Winner 2021 #wdciconsofdesign tableplacechairs.com | 0330 1222 117 | EC1V 7DA

An industry of late nights and odd shifts in demand of long-wearing uniforms made with intentional functionality from sustainable fabrics. Elevated for comfort and in turn, confidence for the stylish individual staff member and overall for the brand who value highly the quality and journey of a customer's experience. A needed innovative take on the hospitality form. Our own working experience informing the uniform design solution staff deserve and transcribing this for the modern hospitality landscape.

www.dayseven.com.au

hey@dayseven.com.au

DAY SEVEN designer functional workwear for contemporary hospitality

SPECIFIER

SPECIFIER

Atelier001 Cosmic Solstice Lighting brand Atelier001 has expanded its Cosmic collection with the launch of the Solstice table and floor lamps. Handcrafted in London, each piece aims to celebrate traditional craft techniques and comes in a selection of finishes including Ore, Noir and Aurum, with bespoke options available upon request. Depending on the finish selected, the shades – enhanced with minimal yet advanced dimmable LEDs – are combined with either brass or bronze frames.

Inspired by terrestrial and extra-terrestrial textures and planetlike forms, the Cosmic range is manufactured using hand-spun, concentric brass shapes and metal patinas. These surface patinas – devised via an alchemical process of oxidation, heat application, acid and pigments – are metal workers’ canvas of painting. www.atelier001.com

SPECIFIER

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CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

Bette Nobu Hotel Portman Square, London

Schlüter-Systems The Headland, Cornwall

German sanitaryware manufacturer Bette has supplied three different styles of baths – the freestanding BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette, the BetteOcean shower bath and the double-ended BetteStarlet fitted tub, all of which are crafted from the brand’s durable and hygienic glazed titanium-steel – to the suites at the new Nobu Hotel London Portman Square in Marylebone.

BetteStarlet Oval Silhouette comes in five sizes, from 1500 x 80mm to 1950 x 950mm, and allows two guests to comfortably bathe together, while BetteStarlet can also accommodate two thanks to its contemporary oval shape and central waste, and is available in 12 sizes, from 1500 x 800mm to 1850 x 850mm. BetteOcean meanwhile features steep sides at the foot end, allowing for more standing room when showering, and a sloping back rest at the other end for relaxed bathing. The tub also has a central waste and comes in 12 sizes from 1500 x 700mm to 1800 x 800mm. Like all of Bette’s baths, shower trays and basins, the trio are easy to clean, available in over 400 colours – including gloss and matte finishes – and made from natural raw materials that are completely recyclable. Featuring public spaces conceptualised by Londonbased architecture and interior design firm David Collins Studio, and guestrooms and suites designed by Make Architects, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square comprises 249 keys, a signature Nobu restaurant and bar with an all-year-round terrace, plus a gym, Pilates studio and a range of wellness facilities. www.my-bette.com

Tile and stone protection experts Schlüter-Systems recently supported Lilly Lewarne Architects in the design and specification of a new swimming pool and spa at Cornwall’s The Headland, which has undergone a large-scale upgrade that included the wellness centre. Along with providing waterproof elements to the whole area, the firm also assisted in the creation of bespoke features to enhance the guest experience. The project involved several indoor facilities including a hydronic pool and a children’s pool, alongside an outdoor area that now offers even more amenities. Creating these elements required the use of durable products underneath the tile and stone finishes, to ensure a longlasting installation that offers both style and substance. An eyecatching aspect that enhances the look of the spa is a serpentine wall clad with River Stone. Due to the versatility needed for this feature, one of the products used was the brand’s signature tile backerboard, Schlüter-Kerdi-Board, in the Kerdi-Board-V variation, created specifically for the design of curved areas. Waterproofing was also taken care of in the zones surrounding the pool, with the firm’s uncoupling mat, Schlüter-Ditra 25, handling it with ease thanks to its heavy-duty properties. Ditra-25 also relieves stresses that occur between the substrate and the tile covering, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as a swimming pool and spa.

The creation of the Aqua Club involved Schlüter’s products and expertise from start to finish. www.schluter.co.uk

SPECIFIER

Q&A

Barber Osgerby Axor Six years after their first collaboration, Barber Osgerby has teamed up with Axor to launch a new range of faucets for the shower, bath and basin. In an exclusive interview with Sleeper, the British design duo explain how this collection is different.

What was the inspiration behind Axor One? We were aware of just how much water was going to waste in the hospitality and residential sectors and felt like we could do something about it, so the key point of inspiration was the ability to precisely control the flow of water, conserving it while offering users more of a haptic response. The result is a collection that is very convenient to use but environmentally has a large impact.

Tell us about some of the design features on offer?

All 31 products are custom cast in brass and combine slender silhouettes, soft corners and balanced proportions. Visually, it’s a simpler experience, but thanks to Axor’s Select technology, which allows users to precisely monitor the flow and temperature of water via an all-in-one controller, the collection is also a lot more sustainable and therefore meets the needs of today’s operator.

How important was the fusion of technology and craft?

Essential. Bringing together elements of tech and craft underpins our practice as you cannot have one without the other anymore.

The crossover between the two worlds is what breeds innovation.

What’s next for Barber Osgerby and Axor?

It’s an ongoing relationship so we are looking at areas where we can innovate, especially from an ecological perspective. The jury is still out on this collection, but the signs so far are very promising.

Where do you see the bathroom space headed in the future?

We don’t see things changing radically, as we’re at a point now where guests can have a very good shower experience without using much water or energy. There was this dream of the electronic bathroom where people could walk in and there would be a sensor to scan their face, the shower would be at the perfect height and they would be told if they had eaten too many donuts like some sort of health centre, but who wants to live in that world? www.axor-design.com

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SPECIFIER

Wall & Decò Grand Hotel Victoria, Lake Como Italian manufacturer Wall & Decò has supplied bespoke wallpaper to Grand Hotel Victoria, a restored Belle Époque property dating back to 1892 that has been revived by Studio Pè. The company studied the different levels of customisation required, including the adaptation of colours and dimensions, before contributing graphic designs and tailor-made pieces to each of the hotel’s environments according to their intended use: the Wet System in the spa, for instance, and the Contemporary and Essential wallpapers in other spaces. In bringing the property to life, Studio Pè added a new building comprising rooms, F&B, communal areas and two underground floors dedicated to the spa, sauna and gym. www.wallanddeco.com

Lelièvre Paris Numéro 25 Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology and the majestic columns of antique palaces with their vast proportions, opulence and dazzling light, Lelièvre Paris’ Numéro 25 collection features oversized graphic patterns, geometric lines, maze motifs and a palette of bold statement colours.

Developed for the contract market at its own mill near Lyon in France, the fabrics – namely Hera, Ariane and Platine, each of which include several variations – demonstrate the company’s weaving capabilities with aplomb, draping well and achieving a natural feel by combining high-quality textured materials in matte, sparkly and semi-glossy finishes. Thanks to its advanced manufacturing facilities, Lelièvre weaves the vast majority of its FR fabrics in-house, providing a unique level of flexibility and service to both specifiers and operators. www.lelievreparis.com

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Entrances.Openings.

Confirm direction.Catch up.Choose chairs.Task light tasks.Touch.Feel.Finally meet.Specify suite.Bumped into.On my way.You here now?. That stand this stand.

Seminar buzz.Get it down.

Get coffee.Got an idea.

Hold that thought.Client drinks.Share that thought.

Entrances.Openings.

Change direction.

It’s happening at HIX London’s BDC, N1 / 18 & 19 Nov 2021 Be there: www.hixevent.com Happening at HIX ad 236x275mm v5.indd 1

18/06/2021 14:38

SPECIFIER

Creative Matters Stripes – Olive Creative Matters has been offering floorcovering solutions to the hospitality industry for over 25 years, working on a wide spectrum of projects, be that big or small, luxurious or practical. The Torontobased studio’s signature designs and environmentally conscious production expertise has seen it supply a variety of hotels in 28 countries around the world, from crafting hand-tufted red carpet for the lobby at Faena Hotel Miami Beach to producing 128 handknotted rugs for The Shinola Hotel in Detroit. Joining the brand’s Stacked collection, Stripes – Olive is a flatweave rug that features a combination of materials, textures, colours and shapes. Each piece is handwoven separately before being stitched together by hand. www.creativemattersinc.com

CASE STUDY

DuPont Tedlar Wallcoverings Courtyard by Marriott, Philadelphia During a recent refurbishment of its public and meeting spaces to enhance the guest experience, Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard selected DuPont Tedlar Wallcoverings’ Mod Linen pattern in Thunder Grey for its café area, lobby and hallways. The wallcovering collection was chosen for both its elegant design and durability in high-traffic areas, with the neutral colour palette and pattern also meaning it can easily evolve in line with any design changes over the years. The DuPont technology behind Tedlar wallcoverings has been used since 1948 for surface protection in many segment applications, ranging from transport interiors to fleet graphics and other wall overlaminates. www.tedlarwallcoverings.dupont.com

Oliver Hemming Obsession The new Obsession alarm clock from British designer Oliver Hemming combines a convex glass lens and a solid stainless-steel case for a jewel-like quality and weight, while its silent sweep action means guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. The product’s pièce de résistance is its newly patented power-saving light function, which is programmed to come on for only 10 seconds when the clock is picked up – a plus for operators and designers, who have already selected the range at several luxury hotels worldwide. “Our products create an emotional connection with the guest and designers can feel that,” says Hemming. “They actually look to specify our products rather than just needing them.” www.oliverhemming.com

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28 – 29 OCTOBER 2021 MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

SPECIFIER

CASE STUDY

Ethimo Amara, Cyprus Ethimo has provided outdoor furnishings and lighting for Amara’s F&B spaces, helmed by celebrated chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Locatelli. The brand’s Kilt and Nicolette armchairs lend an understated, contemporary look to the property’s bars and restaurants, while its freestanding Carrè lamps – envisioned by landscape artist Niccolò Grassi and available in various sizes, including for the floor, table and wall – light up the porticos that link the different areas. Designed

by Marcello Ziliani, the Kilt range features a frame in teak and upholstery in dense weaves of rope, while the stackable Nicolette chairs by Parisian designer Patrick Norguet combine a die-cast aluminium structure with a natural teak headrest. Carrè also blends wooden and metal elements and is inspired by the classic designs of the 20th century. www.ethimo.com

Riviere Rugs Ocean Riviere Rugs has partnered with interior design studio O&A London to launch Ocean, a new rug that forms part of a wider environmental initiative, ‘Save the Ocean’, supporting efforts to clear plastic from the ocean. Handmade in Nepal using a centuries-old traditional weaving technique and natural materials such as wool and silk, the rugs feature a pattern that resembles the intricate ripples left in wet sand by waves. As part of the collaboration, 10% of every sale is also donated to 4ocean – a company dedicated to preserving marine life – and since the collection was announced, the trio has removed 347 pounds of waste from seas worldwide. www.riviererugs.com

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ARE YO U IN?

PUBLIC HOTEL CHRYSTIE STREET New York, United States of America ARCHITECT(S): Herzog & de Meuron Basel INTERIOR DESIGNER(S): Ian Schrager Company SUPPLIED BY: Laufen

5

www.TOPHOTELDESIGN.com

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ADVERTISING INDEX ISSUE 97

AA Corporation

149

Kalmar

065

Albrecht Jung

033

Kohler

089

ALIS

158

Laufen

031

Aliseo

041

Lelievre

063

Astro Lighting

002

Ligne Roset

010

BCFA

105

Mandarin Stone

023

Beck

055

Manutti

164

Bette

075

Newhey Carpets

067

Chelsom

163

Nicholas Haslam

139

Creative Matters

122

O’Donnell Furniture

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo

155

Oliver Hemming

005

141

Day Seven

146

Palecek

095

Dernier & Hamlyn

071

Point

021

DuPont

037

Preciosa

EE Smith

143

RH

012 006-007

EPR Architects

057

Riobel

083

Excalibur

073

Roca

047

Focus SB

035

Schluter Systems

084

Sleepeezee

129

FW Lighting

151

Gommaire

113

Sofa Company

Gresham

136

Stellar Works

HD Expo

160

Sunbrella

045

Hector Finch

025

Table Place Chairs

145

HICAP

159

Tapeçarias Ferreira de Sá

029

HIX

153

Tophotelprojects

IHS

081

Tribu

027

JC Hospitality

090

Tuuci

093

015 008-009

157

161

CHECK-OUT

Blank Canvas

Following a decade behind closed doors, Fulham Town Hall reopens as an art gallery ahead of its transformation into a boutique hotel.

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The lines between hotel and gallery are often

community after what has been a particularly

blurred in today’s world, with art playing a central

challenging time,” says Managing Director

role in a variety of projects. London alone has its

Robert Godwin, who appointed Ben Moore of Art

fair share of gallery-esque hotels, where graffitti,

Below as the exhibition’s curator. Entitled Art in

sculpture or one-of-a-kind masterpieces dress

the Age of Now, the temporary installation runs

the public spaces or suites. And soon, the city

from the grand ballroom to the basement, with

will add another exhibit to its collection in the

works selected to both juxtapose and harmonise

form of a boutique hotel and creative community

with the building’s Victorian architecture – think

hub at Fulham Town Hall. Having stood derelict

green marble columns, stained-glass windows

for a decade, the Grade II-listed building is set

and Art Deco lighting. Highlights include The Pink

to get a new lick of paint later this year, but

Bear by Luap, which sees a former vault painted

before it undergoes its transformation, operator

hot pink and occupied by the artist’s travelling

Lamington Group has set about celebrating the

muse riding a bicycle. The Pink Bear won’t be

area’s emerging artists, designers and cultural

stationary for long however, with construction

characters by way of an immersive exhibition.

to convert the building into 90 guestrooms, a

“We wanted to give people a final chance to see

variety of restaurants and bars and a co-working

the building before it is redeveloped, whilst also

space soon to begin. Here’s hoping the resulting

providing an opportunity for London’s creative

hotel is a work of art in itself.

EDITION 27 NOW AVAILABLE

45625 Chelsom Sleeper Faux Alabaster 275x236.indd 1

chelsom.co.uk

05/07/2021 10:20

collection designed by Manutti Studio More inspiration on manutti.com.

collection designed by Stephane De Winter More inspiration on manutti.com

outdoor luxury