InterContinental London Westminster to open in November
The UK's second InterContinental hotel, which has been delayed because of a change of ownership, will open in Westminster in November 2012.
Situated in Queen Anne's Chambers, a former government building, the 245-bedroom InterContinental London Westminster is located alongside New Scotland Yard and the Ministry of Justice and within eight minutes' walk of the division bell at the Houses of Parliament. It is the first InterContinental to open in London since the launch of the InterContinental on Park Lane 36 years ago.
The development site was sold earlier this year for £101m to Supreme Hotels Group, headed by Shiraz Boghani, who was previously one of the partners of the Splendid Hotel Group, the former owner of the hotel. A dispute between Boghani and the co-founder of Splendid, Bashir Nathoo, resulted in the hotel being placed on the market.
Central to the hotel's food and beverage offering will be the Chambers Bar and Dining Rooms, which will offer a menu inspired by American smoke-house techniques combined with a British influence. Charcoal and smoking ovens will produce rustic, comfort dishes in the Dining Rooms, while the Chambers Bar is intended to provide a luxury version of the traditional British pub, offering everything from local ale to a signature cocktail.
Emmeline's is set to be a more ethereal space offering cocktails and Champagne, and the Lobby Lounge will provide traditional teas, coffees and home-made cakes.
There will also be a Club InterContinental Executive Lounge, eight meeting and event rooms and a 24-hour gym for exclusive guest use.
Andrew Coney, general manager, InterContinental London Westminster, said: "Our hotel will be at the heart of an area renowned for its iconic sights and heritage but also going through an exciting period of regeneration. We will contribute to this by creating 180 jobs for local people and representing a major investment in this part of town."
InterContinental London Westminster will be operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group under a management agreement.
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By Janet Harmer
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