Lewis Catchpole

🏨 The Francis Hotel in Bath will reveal its refurbished 98 rooms in November, following a £14 million redesign by 3DReid, who previously worked on Gleneagles and Cameron House. Originally Georgian townhouses, the hotel was transformed in 1884. Updates include modern amenities and a new restaurant, Emberwood, which opened in May. By 2026, a thermal spa will be added. The project repositions the hotel as a townhouse destination, blending heritage with contemporary hospitality.

🏨 The Newman Hotel, by Kinsfolk and Co, hired its first graduate group in July via a month-long training scheme with Saira Hospitality. Located in London, the hotel recruited 40% more graduates than planned, including guest service agents, room attendants, bartenders, and chefs. Charities like Breaking Barriers and local career services in Camden and Westminster referred candidates. The program aimed to foster industry diversity and progress, benefiting participants like Seynabou, now a front desk agent.

📝 DoubleTree by Hilton London – Tower of London has revamped 201 guest rooms over three floors in a multi-million-pound project. New room categories, Tower Deluxe and Tower Executive, are introduced, and the design is by Upperworth Studios, Adrian Barboza Design, and Morrison Design. The redesign aims to attract more families with 75 family-suitable rooms. Savage Garden, the rooftop bar, launched a new cocktail menu by Alessandro Lintas. Early bookings show strong interest from corporate and leisure markets.

🏨 London, 2025: Sir Hotels launches its first London location in Devonshire Square, featuring 81 rooms and 14 suites in a restored 17th-century textile warehouse. Designed by Maison 191, the interiors include Bauhaus influences. The hotel offers an all-day dining concept accessible to the public and a cultural program showcasing local art. Guests can contribute £1 to the Sir Cares initiative supporting local social mobility. Future expansions include a private club, restaurant, and gym.