Today’s news in brief – 22/10/24

Imbiba, a leisure, lifestyle, and entertainment investor, has partnered with Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to open a new 65,000 sq ft hotel at 12 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, in 2025. The venue will house several Imbiba brands, including a 78-bedroom House of Gods Hotel, a music venue, a rooftop bar, and an events space operated by Camm and Hooper. The venue is located near Eden Dock, an urban oasis enhancing biodiversity. Imbiba, known for brands like Pizza Pilgrims and F1 Arcade, aims to expand its offerings in Canary Wharf, a fast-growing hospitality destination with 7.5% year-to-date visitor growth.

The Dunadry Hotel and Gardens in Antrim is constructing a new thermal spa garden following a £600,000 investment by the McKeever Hotel Group. The spa, designed for exclusivity, will include hot tubs, a sauna, and relaxation areas, offering a luxury experience for up to 20 guests. This investment reflects growing demand for wellness tourism and high-end staycations. The project, managed by Pure Fitout, will be completed by mid-November. This development follows the recent opening of The Cellar, a whiskey-tasting venue, expanding the hotel’s appeal to health-conscious guests and the luxury staycation market.

The Belfry Hotel and Resort has appointed Katie Niland as its new commercial director to lead its £80m expansion project. Niland, who has been with The Belfry for a decade, will unify sales, marketing, and operations teams to drive growth. The expansion includes the construction of the Masters Suite, the resort’s largest events space, and the development of a new leisure club and the expansion of the Ryder Grill restaurant. Niland’s leadership aims to elevate The Belfry’s status as a top-tier leisure and events destination.

Apex Hotels has acquired The Vineyard Hotel in Newbury, West Berkshire, from Sir Peter Michael and his family. This five-star country house hotel, known for its luxury spa and Michelin-style dining, marks Apex’s third acquisition in the country house market. Apex Hotels, a family-owned business, plans to continue the hotel’s legacy, diversifying its portfolio to include rural properties. Sir Peter Michael expressed pride in what his family has built and confidence in Apex’s ability to maintain the hotel’s high standards.