Brown's hit by building delays

Renovations at Brown's hotel in London have hit snags, which will delay its reopening until September.

The cost has also escalated dramatically, from the original prediction of £15m to recent estimates, which now stand at £19m.

The refurbishments, which began in April last year, were meant to be completed by May. Problems with contractors' work falling behind schedule mean there will now be a soft opening in August, followed by an official opening on 1 September.

A Brown's spokesman said: "We are having to do more work than originally envisaged, but this is not unusual given the age of the building. When undertaking a project of this size it's not a long delay."

Stuart Johnson, general manager, added: "It's not scientific - I wish it was. We've got to do this properly and refurbish to a high specification, so we are not cutting corners, but we are now taking bookings for September."

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 10 March 2005