Today’s news in brief – 11/4/24

The Social Hub, a hybrid hospitality concept, is launching its first UK location in Glasgow. Founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor in 2012, it’s the 18th hub in Europe. The Glasgow hub, situated in the Merchant City District, offers various rooms and spaces for learning, working, and socialising. It can accommodate up to 222 co-workers daily, with amenities like a gym, restaurant, and bar. The menu features a mix of Scottish and international cuisine, emphasising community building and social impact.

The Old Course Hotel has appointed Coalin Finn as its new executive chef. Finn, previously at Claridge’s and Inverlochy Castle Hotel, aims to showcase contemporary Scottish cuisine. The hotel, a luxury five-star property by St. Andrews golf course, is set to introduce a new well-being-focused menu and informal sharing options under Finn’s guidance.

The three-star Izaak Walton Hotel in the Dovedale Valley, boasting 38 bedrooms and picturesque views, is on the market for £2.35m. The hotel, owned by Terry Davie since 2019, offers fishing experiences on the River Dove and caters to corporate guests, vintage car event attendees, and wedding celebrations. Its Haddon Restaurant holds a 2 AA Rosette, making it an attractive investment opportunity in the popular Peak District.

French hotel giant Accor has announced the 50th anniversary of its economy hotel brand, Ibis, which has expanded to over 2,500 locations in 79 countries. With a pipeline of over 320 hotels, Ibis plans to enter its 80th country by launching Ibis Styles Reykjavik Muli in Iceland. The brand emphasises its founding principles of accessible travel experiences, global expansion, and employee development, aiming to reinforce its position as a leader in the economy hotel segment.