Today’s news in brief – 25/09/23
Whitbread, a prominent hospitality group, has acquired New London House in London’s EC3 area for £56.5m. The 89,722 sq ft building, located adjacent to Fenchurch Street station in the heart of London’s financial district, will undergo a transformation. Whitbread’s plan is to seek planning consent from the City of London Corporation to repurpose and extend the existing structure into a hotel-led, mixed-use development, with a mix of complementary uses on Crutched Friars and London Street. The acquisition aligns with Whitbread’s strategy of converting underutilised office buildings into successful hotels, leveraging their expertise in this area.
Tresilian Wood, situated on the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline in St Donats village, has been brought to market for £1.5m. Spanning 7.5 acres of coastline, the property offers various luxury accommodation options, including unique glamping sites and lodges. Sustainability features such as solar panels and air source heat pumps are incorporated into many of the guest accommodations. The property also includes a spacious two-bedroom residence for the current owners, potentially convertible into additional accommodation with the appropriate planning consent. This move responds to the growing demand for remote staycations and retreats, catering to a wide range of travellers.
In the Cotswolds, Lionheart Group has opened The Black Horse in Salford, following an extensive refurbishment. The pub retains its original character with deep hues of maroon and forest green, dark antique wood, classic panelling, and soft mood lighting. The establishment offers a selection of local beers and a wine menu, with a food menu featuring all-day lunches, pub classics, and a dinner menu centred around grilling and rotisserie cooking, using local produce. The opening marks the beginning of a series of new launches planned by Lionheart Group over the next year, showcasing a blend of traditional charm and contemporary dining experiences.
Bob W, a short-stay apartment operator, has entered London’s prime market with Gulaid House in Knightsbridge. The expansive townhouse, located just a short walk from Harrods and Hyde Park, underwent extensive refurbishment to offer deluxe studios and grand four-bedroom apartments. Guests at Gulaid House will experience a five-star, contactless service facilitated by Bob W’s tech platform and web apps. The property is the result of a partnership between Bob W and Gulaid Group Holding, aiming to achieve higher revenues in the short-term rental market by delivering authentic, host-driven experiences and leveraging technology for seamless guest interactions.
