Today’s news in brief – 9/5/25
PoB Hotels has expanded its portfolio with the addition of three new independent properties: Matfen Hall in Northumberland, Mallory Court in Warwickshire, and Penmaenuchaf in Eryri (Snowdonia). Each hotel contributes strong regional character and has recently undergone significant refurbishments. Matfen Hall, a luxury estate featuring a spa and championship golf course, has become Northumberland’s first five-star hotel following a multi-million-pound restoration. Mallory Court, part of the Eden Hotel Collection, now joins its sister property Bovey Castle in the PoB network, and has just completed a £1.5m bedroom refurbishment. Penmaenuchaf, part of the Seren Collection, sits above the Mawddach estuary and has been refreshed by designer Nicola Harding. PoB Hotels CEO Kalindi Juneja welcomed the additions, emphasizing the group’s commitment to quality, individuality, and heritage.
Art’otel London Hoxton has launched Panorama London, a new event space on its 24th floor. The venue features 12 flexible rooms with panoramic views of the London skyline, accommodating up to 350 guests for a variety of events including fashion shows, screenings, and corporate meetings. Alongside this, the hotel offers a 60-seat screening room, a rotating gallery curated by artist D*Face, and an intimate Art Studio. Guests can also enjoy dining at The Brush or the forthcoming 25th-floor restaurant. Owned by PPHE Hotel Group and operated under Radisson Hotels, Art’otel blends hospitality with contemporary art, with locations across major European cities.
The Grand Hotel Birmingham is set to launch “Downstairs At The Grand” on May 16, a new speakeasy-style live music jazz bar located in the venue’s Isaac’s restaurant. Operating Thursday to Saturday nights until 2am, the venue will host residencies and performances from artists such as Joe Spinoza, Tom Seals, and Dana Gillespie. Entertainment will include jazz, boogie-woogie, cabaret, and musical theatre showcases. The bar will also offer classic and signature cocktails, fine wines, and a late-night food menu featuring small plates, pizzas, and desserts.
Christine Hodgson is expected to become the new chair of Premier Inn owner Whitbread, replacing Adam Crozier within the next year. Hodgson, currently chair of Severn Trent, was reportedly chosen over Intertek’s Andrew Martin. Crozier, who led the £4bn Costa Coffee sale to Coca-Cola, also chairs BT Group and Kantar. Whitbread, facing a 14% drop in annual profits to £483m, is reportedly planning to sell off some Beefeater and Brewers Fayre outlets to sharpen focus on its hotel business.
