Jumeirah abandons east London Zabeel House plans

Jumeirah has abandoned its plans to open its first Zabeel House-branded hotel in the UK in east London, saying it is focusing on developing the brand in the Middle East first.

A spokesperson from Jumeirah Group said: “We are focusing on developing the brand in the Middle East before rolling it out internationally. A new operator was appointed to run the Shoreditch property, the details of which will be announced in due course.”

The Caterer reported last year that the first Zabeel House in London was expected to open earlier this year in Great Eastern Street with approximately 200 bedrooms. The brand was launched in January 2018 and the first property opened in Dubai three months later.

The city-based hotels reflect their locations, featuring details and design relevant to each neighbourhood, and offer an "upscale, casual environment" targeting both business and leisure travellers.

The site has lain derelict for years, with several previous plans by other developers rejected. Back in 2014 it was announced a 125-bedroom hotel would open at the site, which is owned by Seven Capital, in 2015, and that it was going to be operated by Seven Capital's sister company, StayWell Hospitality Group, under the Park Regis brand.

Jumeirah has three properties in the UK: the Jumeirah Lowndes, Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living, and the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, which is currently closed for refurbishment.

Pictured: Zabeel House Al Seef, Dubai