Today’s news in brief – 26/11/24
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is launching Liberté Café-Bar and Brasserie alongside Bar 1819 on 28 November, following a £2m ground-floor renovation. Designed by Edinburgh-based ISA, the venue blends Georgian interiors with a modern European brasserie vibe. Liberté offers all-day dining featuring Scottish produce, with highlights like Balvenie smoked salmon and Ox cheek in red wine sauce. The elegant Bar 1819 focuses on curated cocktails and premium drinks. Key collaborators include Stuart McCluskey, Ian McLaren, and Will Cox, who have crafted a beverage program celebrating quality ingredients and local suppliers.
Southwark Council has introduced the Hospitality Skills Hub, a programme aimed at tackling recruitment challenges in the hospitality sector while creating career opportunities for residents. Part of Southwark’s 2030 vision, the initiative offers free training, one-on-one support, and aims to create 130 jobs and apprenticeships within two years. Delivered by Rinova Ltd and supported by leading hospitality businesses, the hub also promotes fair wages, aligning with London Living Wage standards. Industry leaders commend the collaborative approach, emphasizing its potential to nurture talent and address labour shortages.
The Roseate Edinburgh has appointed Juliette Louzon as its new hotel manager. With extensive luxury hospitality experience, Louzon aims to enhance the guest experience by blending Edinburgh’s heritage with modern luxury. The boutique hotel, located in the city’s West End, features 35 rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and private gardens. Regional GM Parvez Unmar praised Louzon’s leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate the team and deliver exceptional guest stays.
Criterion Capital has obtained a £65m loan facility from Coutts to refinance its Hotel Indigo property in Leicester Square, London. The 112-room hotel features a rooftop bar, panoramic restaurant, and retail space. The refinancing supports Criterion’s expansion of its Zedwell hotel brand, which currently operates three London locations and plans 13 new sites, including in York, Manchester, Edinburgh, and the City of London. Zedwell aims to grow its portfolio to 8,500 rooms by 2027, focusing on distinctive hospitality in prime city locations. Omar Aziz of Criterion highlighted the loan as a key milestone in driving sustainable tourism and economic growth. Coutts’ Oliver Powell praised the alignment of the deal with their strategic goals, expressing excitement to support Zedwell’s UK expansion.
