Renowned hair visionary Robert Masciave showcases his extraordinary work at the Mandrake Hotel, London
Robert Masciave is already known in the hair industry for his innovation and creativity and his latest venture sees him teaming up with The Mandrake Hotel, London. As a featured artist in its curated Artist in Residence programme, which spotlights creatives and artisans in amongst the hotel’s exquisitely designed space, one of his spectacular hair outfits takes centre stage.
As a respected professional and Revlon Ambassador for the UK, Robert Masciave is committed to advancing the hair industry. His reputation for some of the industry's most avant garde work is unsurpassed. Most recently, his trademark style combining intricate cutting skills, jaw-dropping creativity and extravagant finishes has reached beyond the world of hair and landed him in one of London's most talked about hotels. His epic challenge of creating an entire outfit from
hair can now be seen on display.
The Mandrake is a multi-award-winning, luxury boutique lifestyle property in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia. Every aspect of The Mandrake has been thoughtfully designed to offer guests a unique, immersive and truly unforgettable experience. Its fusion of art, culture and design, brings a varied curation of artists, performers, exhibitions and events through its doors; turning the hotel into an ever-changing backdrop for new talent to shine. With installations designed to enhance the customer experience, this decadent space of curiosity and wonder is the perfect match for Robert's
imaginative creations.
Describing the opportunity to exhibit his work, Robert says, "The Mandrake has been home to the work of scupltors, photographers and tattooists amongst others, but to be able to shine this new spotlight on the possibilities of hair is a big honour for me." Explaining the thought process behind his Soul of Man collection, Robert says, "Hair, to me, is a limitless medium. I get inspiration from life around me; nature, the arts (movies, painting, music, architecture…) Inspiration is a translation of the way I feel when I have been exposed to things I love or hate. To stay inspired is to stay interested in life and things around us." Pushing boundaries in his sometimes controversial but always impeccable work, Robert is relentlessly passionate and continues to evolve as a craftsman, teacher and businessman.
The Bailey’s Hotel Announces Exciting New Signature Cocktail Created in Partnership with Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys at The Bailey’s
The Bailey’s Hotel, London and Baileys Irish Cream are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership. The two iconic brands have joined forces to create a new signature cocktail for the hotel in celebration of their shared history.
A (Flat) White Christmas
From now, visitors and guests at The Bailey’s Hotel will be able to enjoy the sophisticated new signature cocktail, the Baileys Flat White Espresso Martini in perfect time for Christmas.
Celebrating Shared History
The cocktail is an expression of the shared DNA of two nationally-treasured brands, and a history which began with the opening of The Bailey’s Hotel almost 150 years ago.
The Sum is Greater than the Parts
The Bailey’s Hotel (built 1874) opened its doors in 1876 and was one of London’s first purpose-built hotels. Its first visitors were delighted by the modern boutique feel and cutting-edge amenities, qualities that have endured to this day allowing The Bailey’s Hotel to become one of the capital’s most sought-after city stays. Its original owner, James Bailey, the inspiration behind the name, Baileys Irish Cream, started life as a butler before rising through the class system to become one of the great self-made gentlemen of the Victorian era.
A century later, two equally entrepreneurial mid-twentieth century men, Gluckman and Seymour-Davies came up with the now ubiquitous Baileys Irish Cream drink merely as a way of using up surplus cream and loss-making Irish whiskey. Mulling over the concept, they caught sight of the sign above the door of the hotel opposite the café where they were seated. Baileys Irish Cream first went on sale in 1974, named after and inspired by Sir James Bailey of the eponymous hotel.
The Bailey’s Hotel New Signature Cocktail
The Bailey’s Flat White Espresso Martini: The velvety smooth cocktail will appeal to coffee and martini lovers alike. Rich Baileys when shaken with espresso coffee avoids any excessive sweetness and when elegantly served in a classic martini glass, confirms this as a cocktail for grown-ups.
About The Bailey’s Hotel
Quintessentially British. This red-brick Victorian townhouse boasts grand Victorian architecture with contemporary design elements from stuccoed ceilings, original stained-glass and an original five-storey staircase designed
to sweep guests dramatically upwards from the lobby past a stunning chandelier to sympathetically designed rooms. The four-star, 212-room Bailey's Hotel includes 13 suites. All have a contemporary boutique-feel with design nods to the hotel’s mid-nineteenth century architecture. Lauded for its sound-proofed rooms, once inside, guests can take advantage of amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Complimentary bottled water, coffee, tea and biscuits are provided in the rooms and replenished daily.
Dining: Bugis Street Brasserie
Authentic Asian cuisine in the heart of Kensington. Diners can expect elegant surroundings and Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese food. Eclectic, modern dishes are made from the finest seasonal ingredients and pay homage to Bugis Street's Asian roots. Favourites include Singapore laksa (spicy noodle soup), dim sum and nasi goreng (Indonesian stir-fried rice).
History of the Founder
London’s first purpose-built hotel, The Bailey’s, opened its doors in 1876. Owner, James Bailey who started out as a butler rose through the English class system to become one of the Victorian era’s great self-made men. The Bailey’s continues to be, one of the top-rated hotels in the capital with over 1500 guests agreeing on a score of 4.5 / 5 on Tripadvisor.
The Neighbourhood
Families will love the warm welcome extended to them at The Bailey’s Hotel. This is a location brimming with things to do both in- and outdoors. From boating on The Serpentine in Hyde Park to following the ‘South Ken Green Trail’ between July and Mid-October. From Princess Diana’s Memorial playground and a plethora of museums, theatres and galleries, South Kensington promises all-year-round action-packed family fun just a walk, tube or a bike ride away.
London’s South Kensington, ‘South Ken,’ to the locals is the beating heart of the capital’s incredible cultural offering. Walk through its historic streets rich with Victorian and Georgian architecture, visit its green spaces, enjoy world-class exhibitions and shows, some free-of-charge, at the Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
The Gore in Kensington re-launches its historic bar 190
A quintessentially British establishment since 1892, The Gore London is a luxury boutique hotel where history still happens. Relaunched this month is Bar 190, an original Victorian wood-panelled room where the bar takes centre stage and the new cocktail list is a contemporary take on The Gore’s past and present.
Masterminding the libations is new Bar Manager, Santo Borzi, who has over 20 years experience of mixing cocktails and getting the party started in some of London’s most celebrated bars and restaurants.
Drawing inspiration from The Gore’s illustrious history the new signature drinks menu starts with a feature cocktail celebrating the hotel’s Grand Beginning in 1892. Called Miss Ada and Miss Fanny, the cocktail is a twist on the classic Club Cocktail from 1892 using vacuum distilled 18th century liquorice and vermouth made with English wine and wormwood. The cocktail is named after two sisters, Fanny and Ada Cooke, who founded The Gore in 1892 and were descendants of the great British Explorer, Captain James Cook. The feature cocktail will be regularly updated to introduce events and personalities that have played a significant role in The Gore’s history.
The remaining ten signature cocktails present a mix of classics with a playful twist, such as The 1738 Martini, inspired by a happy accident in Cognac, and Sailor’s Sour, reinvigorated with the tropical influence of Caribbean Spiced Rum. A particular emphasis is placed on the presentation of the cocktails. A particular showstopper is A Cold Day in Queen’s Gate, a flaming take on a Hot Toddy.
Signature cocktails at Bar 190 are priced from £10-15 and the current list includes:
ENGLISH AFTERNOON - £15
English Afternoon takes its inspiration from the traditional blend of teas originating from India, China, Africa & Sri Lanka. Afternoon tea blends are often lighter than breakfast blends, being designed to complement, rather than mask the flavour of the afternoon tea meal
Chapel Down Bacchus Gin, Cointreau, Earl Grey Tea, English Lavender, Rose, Lemon Juice, Agave Infused Rosemary
TOASTED SESAME SMOKED OLD FASHIONED - £15
Home sesame oil washed single malt whiskey brings an Eastern influence to
a Western classic
Sesame Oil Washed Eagle Rare 10 YO Bourbon, Brown Sugar, Angostura Bitters, Smoke
FANNY MURRAY - £15
A 16th century courtesan iconic for having her hat perched slightly askew.
Bittersweet – much like the lady who inspired it
The Botanist Gin, Lychee Liqueur, Grapefruit, Lime, Rose, Cardamom Bitters, Mrs Better’s Miraculous Foamer
NLL COLLINS - £10
A refreshing alcohol-free take on the classic Tom Collins
Salcombe Distilling Co. New London Light 0.5% ABV, Merchant’s Heart Hibiscus Tonic, Lemon
The drinks menu continues with champagne and wine by the bottle and glass, as well as a generous spirits list with accompanying tasting notes by region, grain or fruit flavour, so patrons can enjoy their favourites or experience some lesser-known labels. An emphasis has been placed on collating a list of smaller British spirit brands to bring them to the fore.
Bar 190 solidified its place in London rock and roll history when The Rolling Stones used it for the launch and photo-shoot for their 1968 album, Beggar’s Banquet. The young musicians were already regulars of the bar and chose to host the album’s launch party there because of its location and informal yet glamorous atmosphere.
Santo Borzi joins Bar 190 from the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, where he had been Assistant Bar Manager at the Hyde Bar for the past five years. Prior to this, Santo was Head Sommelier at the hotel’s One O One restaurant. He has over 20 years experience as a bar manager and sommelier in some of London’s top hotels and restaurants, including 5 Hertford Street, Babbo Restaurant, Buddha Bar and The Ritz Club.
The Pelham London appoints new Hotel Manager
Starhotels appointed hospitality leader, Eleonora Bortolato, to the position of Hotel Manager of The Pelham London – Starhotels Collezione ahead of the property’s reopening on 1 December 2021.
With a twenty-year career in luxury hotel and private residence operations, Eleonora is a hands-on leader who joins The Pelham London from Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, where she was Director of Residences for four years. During her tenure, Eleonora managed the opening of 41 luxury-serviced apartments, delivering on the company’s business strategy and building a highly competent team capable of delivering exceptional service. Prior to this, she was Residential Services Manager at the Four Seasons Private Residences at Palazzo Tornabuoni Firenze. A native of Italy, Eleonora has worked in many of the country’s finest luxury hotels, including Hotel Il Salviatino in Florence, Hotel Caesar Augustus in Capri, The Westin Excelsior in Venice and Forte Village Sardinia, as well as The Connaught in London.
“I am thrilled to be joining The Pelham London and proud to be leading the operations of this wonderful property,” commented Eleonora Bortolato. “The Pelham has a depth of character; tradition and modernity blend harmoniously in a colourful and vibrant atmosphere, while retaining that homely, private residence atmosphere. I look forward to connecting with our guests and working with the team to offer memorable experiences through a genuine and attentive sense of care.”
Commenting on Eleonora’s appointment, Thomas Orchard, Complex General Manager for Starhotels’ three London properties said, “I am delighted to welcome Eleonora to The Pelham London and to the Starhotels family. She is an outstanding individual of significant experience and knowledge who is ready to take the next step forward in her career and look after one of the finest boutique hotels in London. I very much look forward to working with Eleonora to continue to develop memorable experiences for our guests and a healthy and rewarding work environment for our fabulous team.”
Starhotels owns and operates three properties in London – The Franklin London, one of London’s most stylish boutique hotels with interiors by Anouska Hempel; The Pelham London, a 52-room luxury hotel at the heart of South Kensington’s vibrant neighbourhood; and The Gore London, a quintessentially British townhouse hotel on Queen’s Gate.
The characteristic design of a Made in Italy icon for an overseas boutique hotel: Diametro35 by Ritmonio for the 250 Main Hotel, USA.
250 Main is a new built boutique hotel located in Rockland, Maine, owned by Migis Hotel Group, a hotel management company founded in 1968.
With 26 design rooms, the hotel offers stunning views of Penobscot Bay, within walking distance of Rockland Harbor and a vibrant art district, enriched by several local galleries and museums such as the Farnsworth Art Museum and CMCA (Centre for Maine Contemporary Art).
250 Main is therefore an artistically inspired hotel, offering luxurious accommodation and stylishly furnished spaces. Designed by architect Scott Teas of Scattergood Design (Portland, Maine), it presents its guests with a majestic hall, which houses the works of some local contemporary artists. The design of the rooms is elegant and modern: large windows, well-organized and comfortable common areas and a spectacular rooftop, from which it is possible to enjoy the view of the port of Rockland.
All without neglecting sustainability, thanks to the highly efficient outer casing and LED lighting.
The rooms and suites, customised by the interior architect James J. Wall of Thirlwall Building Design, are tastefully decorated and made unique by some carefully selected original artwork. Many of the finishes were conceived and produced by the nearby Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding shipyard, world-famous for its creations that blend design, technology and craftsmanship.
A very special context, enhanced by the furnishings signed by the most famous Made in Italy design brands. Precisely with this in mind, the Diametro35 series was selected, perfectly in line with the design choices and the taste of the environments.
Not simple taps, but design objects capable of emphasizing the refinement of the context with originality. Pleasant use, unmistakable style and character are the hallmarks of a series that has become an icon, capable of effectively responding to the needs of contemporary hospitality and adding personality to the spaces dedicated to well-being, attracting the attention of guests.
The Diametro35 series is part of the water-saving Ritmonio products, characterized by an ECO flow rate of less than 9 l / min and is designed to encourage a responsible use of environmental resources.
Support on offer to Greater Manchester tourism and hospitality businesses as the festive season sees already high shortage of workers soar
Help is available to Greater Manchester tourism and hospitality businesses facing staff shortages as vacancies soar in the sector in the run-up Christmas and beyond.
As the festive season gets underway the Growth Company is reminding the region’s hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes and performance venues that vital help and support is available for those struggling to recruit and fill vacancies.
They are also calling on job seekers or those interested in a career switch that there are hundreds of jobs currently available in hospitality and tourism in the city-region, not just in the run up to Christmas but in the future as well.
Through its Tourism and Hospitality Talent Hub run by GC Employment, which is part of the Growth Company, a social enterprise dedicated to economic growth, it is supporting Greater Manchester hospitality and tourism businesses during this challenging time, signposting job seekers to vacant posts and providing dedicated training.
Assistance to businesses includes a fully funded recruitment service, which supports with candidate selection, interviews and hiring; training support for the existing workforce, including upskilling, learning and development plans; redundancy advice for those who lose their jobs; and careers guidance for those starting out.
Greater Manchester is not alone in struggling to recruit as the UK hospitality industry is experiencing rising worker shortages in all roles and at all levels, with job vacancies at their highest since records began. The UK employs approximately 3.2 million people across the sector and in 2020, hospitality contracted by over 40 per cent.
Margaret Bartnikiewicz, Recruitment Project Manager for the GC Tourism and Hospitality Hub said: “The Tourism and Hospitality Talent Hub was set up two years ago following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU to support businesses and individuals within the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry across Greater Manchester through skills, training and recruitment.
“Currently there are more than 3,000 vacancies in the sector across Greater Manchester and by engaging with and supporting businesses we are advertising more than 300 vacancies a month. We’ve seen an increase in the number of jobs available in the run up to Christmas, but really this only adds to the worker shortage already there.
“There are so many great jobs available for people from all walks of life - young people, older people, those retraining or reskilling, underrepresented groups; it’s not about experience, it’s about personality and what you can bring to the job. A year waiting tables in a restaurant can be a pathway to becoming a restaurant manager.”
A new labour market and skills intelligence report produced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority highlights the extent of the skills shortage in the hospitality sector in the city-region.
Intelligence insights include:
- Hospitality is an important sector for Greater Manchester, accounting for approximately 86,000 jobs, which is over 6% of the city-region’s total workforce.
- There are 8,200 businesses of which 6,000 employ under 10 people.
- The sector has suffered because of Brexit due to European workers leaving the UK and government restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic meant some businesses had to close.
- Hard to fill vacancies include chefs, kitchen, housekeeping, bar tenders, waiting staff, management, lighting and sound engineers and security.
However, the Tourism and Hospitality Hub is best placed to work with businesses to overcome the challenges faced and help people looking for a job find the right pathway to employment.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The hospitality sector has played a huge part in the city-region’s recovery from coronavirus and it is vital vacancies in the industry are filled to ensure this continues.
“I urge employers to work with the Tourism and Hospitality Talent Hub to help fill vacant posts, as well as job seekers to engage with the hub for training and employment opportunities - with readily available roles on offer. Hospitality is a rewarding sector to work in and Greater Manchester has a brilliant variety of venues and operators to work for.”
Sacha Lord, Night-time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester, said:
“After listening to employers that there are hundreds of housekeeping vacancies available across Greater Manchester, the Hospitality Talent Hub has launched the Housekeeping Academy.
“The training programme will help jobseekers get ready to work as a housekeeper or room attendant and apply for jobs in some of the best hotels in the city region.”
To find out more this programme visit www.talenthub.growthco.uk.
For more information and to get help from The Growth Company visit www.growthco.uk .
Businesses or individuals looking for support from the GC Tourism and Hospitality Hub can visit www.talenthub.growthco.uk or get in touch by calling us on 07503 620815.
Leading Liverpool city centre bar prepares to launch its first dedicated apart-hotel
Harrison's Bar & Kitchen, situated in the heart of Liverpool’s shopping and central business districts, on the corner of North John Street and Victoria Street, has already built a sterling reputation as a welcoming place, offering freshly cooked food, a wide range of drinks and cocktails, and live music, as well as being a venue which is hugely attractive to sports fans. During this busy trading period, the team behind Harrison's are preparing themselves for their next venture: the opening of their very first apart-hotel in January 2022.
Situated directly above this popular bar and restaurant, Harrison's Apart Hotel will already be gifted with a premium location: close to Liverpool One and tourist hotspots like the Cavern Quarter, it will feature eight, two-bedroom apartments, giving it a unique, boutique feel. A joint venture between A.R. Leisure Limited, owners of Harrison's Bar & Kitchen, and iStay Liverpool, both leading independent enterprises in the region with a proven track record in the leisure and hotel sectors, this beautiful accommodation will be ready to welcome a whole new set of local, national and international guests when the new year commences.
Harrison's Bar & Kitchen has already proved to be a huge hit with guests: it's warm and friendly atmosphere is a part of its charm, and its dedication to live sport, including screening popular football matches, along with boxing, golf, rugby and horse-racing, make it the ideal place to enjoy hearty food, refreshing drinks and have a relaxing day, afternoon or evening out. A.R. Leisure Limited, a family-run group, also includes nearby Abbey Road, Dwntwn and Alibi, formerly known as Kingdom, as part of a growing roster of successful venues in the city centre.
As Harrison's Apart Hotel will be a joint venture with iStay Liverpool, this will give the team behind this new establishment a huge opportunity to collaborate with one of the region’s most established, fastest-growing and prestigious luxury party apartment groups. iStay Liverpool already has its own impressive portfolio across Liverpool, including Temple Court in the nearby Cavern Quarter, and other first-rate locations in Duke Street, One Water Street, Bold Street, the Maison Townhouse in the Georgian Quarter, and The Merchant close to the city’s creative Baltic Triangle. The team behind this group of five-star reviewed accommodations will offer expertise, from every aspect from design through to marketing, to this about-to-be-launched Harrison’s Apart Hotel.
Jon Hewitt, Manager of A.R. Leisure Limited, and the leading light behind Harrison's explains: ‘All of the team are thrilled to be involved in this new area of business for us. Harrison's Bar & Kitchen is a real centrepiece of our group, and it seemed logical to us to expand into accommodation, as the space above is obviously also in this popular and dynamic location. We want Harrison's Apart Hotel to have a similar vibe: welcoming and comfortable, and a place where guests can pop down and start their stay off with food and drinks with us, and then simply step out right into the heart of the city. Of course, we will make sure they are made especially welcome in our other venues, too. As this is a new area of business for us, I am delighted that we will be collaborating with Ann Chambers and the rest of her iStay Liverpool team. In business and in life, Ann is a force of nature, and her knowledge and reputation already mark her out. Her attention to detail is exacting, and we can’t think of anyone we’d like to work with more. We look forward to opening in January 2022, and hope that every guest enjoys their stay in our modern, contemporary surroundings.’
Ann Chambers, Managing Director of iStay Liverpool adds: ‘At iStay we have had a busy, successful and dynamic year already. We have learned that so many visitors to Liverpool desire the freedom that serviced apart-hotel accommodation offers: they want to be free to have the use of luxury kitchens and living areas as well as their own bathrooms and bedrooms. Of course, all clients also expect both style and comfort in their home-away-from-home spaces, too.
I am really excited to be working with John and his team on this new launch. As a business community in Liverpool, we are really supportive of each other’s work, and this collaborative effort made sense to us both. New visitors to Harrison's Apart Hotel can enjoy well-equipped, sumptuous surroundings. Next year is going to be an exciting one, that’s for sure!’
As the city of Liverpool has enjoyed an increase in tourism, especially staying visitors during 2021, and with attractions like Tate Liverpool, the World Museum, the M&S Bank Arena and the Beatles Story proving to be as popular as ever, as well as the city centre’s growing number of bars, restaurants and retail spaces, January 2022 will be the perfect time to welcome Harrison’s Apart Hotel to this growing economic sector.
Harrison’s Apart Hotel will be located at 23 North John Street, Liverpool L2 5QU.
For more information on Harrisons Apart Hotel please see - Harrisons Apart Hotel | Victoria Street Apartments Liverpool | iStay (istayliverpool.com)
Soho House Signs Global Agreement with Award-Winning Spa Company
Shared Beauty Secrets, the sister company to Sensory Retreats and exclusive distributors and trainers of the award-winning Lava Shell treatments, has announced an exciting new partnership with Soho House.
From December 2021 the incredible heated Lava Shell treatments will be incorporated into the Soho House bespoke signature massage available at its Cowshed Spas and new Soho Health Clubs. This new partnership will enable every Soho House guest to benefit from this deeply relaxing, holistic massage experience.
Launching first in Soho House, Rome, home to the brand’s first physical Soho Health Club, Lava Shells will then be rolled out in December to London, followed by the rest of the group globally in 2022.
Shared Beauty Secrets have been leaders in self-heating technology for over 12 years are proud to be the exclusive distributor and trainer of the self-heating and self-cooling Therma Bliss Lava Shells.
Lava Shells are an innovative, natural massage tool that delivers exotic and indulgent results. Combined with the benefit of the shells being naturally hygienic and non-porous, this makes them the perfect massage tool for today’s safety-conscious climate.
Benefits of Lava Shells
- 100% client exclusive & single usage every time
- Natural and vegan
- Doesn’t use electric and no appliances to clean
- Water activated with natural water
- Helps with avoidance of repetitive strain injury
- Easily sanitised
- Creates a continuous touch massage
- Non-porous and easy to clean
- Covid safe
Shared Beauty Secrets’ International Trainer, Vanessa Franklin, says “It has been a joy training the Soho House Health Club team who have such a beautiful approach to their guests’ wellbeing. I’ve taught the team how to use Lava Shells as an extension of their hands, enabling them to use the warm shells freestyle to suit each guest’s individual needs.”
Confirming the integration of Lava Shells into its signature massage, Reena Hammer, Soho Health Club Group Director says “Everything we do at Soho House is driven by our members and making their membership better. We are excited to introduce the Lava Shells tools to our members in our Health Clubs and Cowshed spas in the signature massages to give an enhanced massage experience.”
Deloitte European Hotel Industry Survey 2021: Hospitality leaders prioritise hiring as labour shortages threaten speed of recovery
Key findings from Deloitte’s European Hotel Industry Survey 2021, based on the responses of senior hospitality figures:
Staffing shortages to stunt recovery
- 76% of hospitality leaders are optimistic about the future of the UK hotel market over the next five years, up five percentage points from last year; However,
- Increasing staff costs (59%) and a shortage of skilled labour (54%) are identified as the biggest risks facing the UK hotel industry over the same period;
- Almost half (49%) of respondents are now prioritising cashflow, and hiring and re-staffing over the next 12 months; and 64% agree that attracting more staff into the sector is key for hospitality businesses to thrive in the next three years;
- Despite the headwinds, nearly half (48%) of respondents anticipate 2019 performance levels to return in 2023.
Andreas Scriven, head of hospitality and leisure at Deloitte:
“After a turbulent 20 months, the hospitality industry is facing fresh challenges in recruitment as the race for talent continues to hit the sector. The hospitality industry is more than twice as likely as others to experience recruitment challenges, so it is unsurprising to see this identified as the biggest threat to the sector’s recovery. Like so many industries reliant on skilled workers, hoteliers are looking for more ways to attract and retain talent. Some have even turned to “Golden Hello” financial incentives, demonstrating just how unusual the current climate is.
“Despite labour concerns, overall optimism amongst senior hospitality figures for the future of the industry has improved since last year. In this time, we’ve seen consumers return with gusto to hospitality following the lifting of restrictions over summer, and this level has remained high.”
Sustainability a unique selling point
Deloitte’s research also found that nearly half (49%) of respondents believe that their consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.
Scriven, said:
“Looking ahead, the hospitality industry will be looking at its post-pandemic offerings. Environmental awareness amongst consumers has significantly heightened over this period, and sustainable goods and services have become a key selling point. Hospitality leaders will not only need to continue providing great experiences, but also more climate-friendly offerings to attract the more ‘conscious consumer’. For the consumer, price remains a key factor in decision-making, and so hospitality leaders will have to carefully balance this with their own carbon-reducing ambitions.”
Location, location, location
- Edinburgh overtakes Oxford and Cambridge as most attractive UK city for hotel investment in 2022;
- Amsterdam remains the most attractive European city for hotel investment in 2022, followed by London, Madrid, Lisbon and Barcelona, respectively, as Paris drops out of the top five.
Scriven, continued:
“With international travel limited for much of the year, UK domestic tourism remained popular amongst holidaymakers. For investors, too, the UK remains attractive for hotel investment, with Edinburgh retaining its top spot given the city’s limited supply for hotel development.
“Elsewhere in the UK, we have also seen London’s attractiveness to European investors improve by almost 10 per cent year-on-year. A combination of favourable room rates has attracted both business and leisure travellers to the UK capital, creating strong demand fundamentals.”
As investors look for new opportunities across Europe, Amsterdam remains the most attractive European city for investment for the sixth consecutive year.
Scriven added: “Likely factors for this include both strong leisure and corporate demand filling the city throughout the week, in addition to its well-connected airport. Development restrictions in the city also mean investment opportunities have a ‘gold dust’ appeal.
“Elsewhere in Europe, Paris has again fallen down the ranking. Despite being an international gateway city, reduced corporate travel over the pandemic means there has been far less traffic passing through. For the leisure traveller, Paris’s high population density has also made socially-distanced tourism a challenge. Investment appetite for the French capital has lessened as a consequence.”