Staff at Hempel face unknown future as hotel set to be sold
The future of the staff at the renowned boutique Hempel hotel in West London is unknown following confirmation that the property is set to be sold and will close for refurbishment on 20 December.
Gareth Banner, the hotel's general manager, said that the sale of the 44-bedroom hotel with six apartments "had been agreed in principal", but was unable to comment any further.
Originally opened in 1997 by former actress and designer Anouska Hempel, the property was sold to O&H Properties in 2003, before being acquired by a consortium of private Irish investors in 2005 for around £16.5m.
The gardens of the hotel, which is well known for its minimalist Zen-style décor, featured in the film Notting Hill as the location for the wedding between two characters played by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
The hotel's online reservations calendar is currently showing no availability throughout 2013.
Irish consortium buys London's Hempel hotel >>
Mike Carter becomes head chef at the Hempel's No. 35 restaurant >>
By Janet Harmer
E-mail your comments to Janet Harmer here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs