This week we welcome the seeds of economic recovery, get in the Christmas party spirit, celebrate the world’s first carbon zero hotel in London and test drive a new Porsche designed hotel…
Hospitality helps boost UK economy
The lifting of restrictions and the summer of staycations and socialising in Britain’s pubs, clubs and restaurants saw the economy rebound in August. Gross domestic product grew 0.4 percent in the first full month since England’s lifting of Covid restrictions, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. “The economy picked up in August as bars, restaurants and festivals benefited from the first full month without Covid-19 restrictions in England,“ noted ONS official Darren Morgan.
Christmas party bookings are a cracker
It looks like Christmas is back on this year – despite the rumours of turkey and pigs in blankets supply shortages [but we don’t want to go all Grinch]. Venues from restaurants, pubs and clubs to crazy golf centres say reservations are “exceeding expectations” and are preparing for a festive bonanza as staff get ready to celebrate. Are you planning an office party this year?
Room2 launches first net zero carbon hotel
Climate change is rightly high on the news agenda, so it’s encouraging to read about green initiatives in hospitality. This week we learned that Hometel brand, room2, is to open the world’s first whole life net zero carbon hotel in Chiswick, West London, in December. Using pioneering technologies, it is expected to be 89 per cent more energy efficient than the typical UK hotel per sqm and will achieve net zero from the design and construction stages to throughout its whole life, setting a new standard for true sustainable development in the global hotel industry.
Porsche enters race for hotel opening
Luxury car and lifestyle brand Porsche is bringing its sense of style to the world of hospitality. For Porsche Design Group has joined forces with renowned Deutsche Hospitality to launch the Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels brand. With at least 15 properties on the cards, including in London, Singapore, Dubai and Shanghai, the hotels will have at least 150 rooms, suites, and penthouses; and will each have a restaurant and bar concept, ‘Meet&Greet cubes’, health and beauty facilities and a gym extending over a minimum area of 1,000 square metres. We can’t wait to give it a test drive!