Local F&B outlets ‘the next step' for Hyatt
Food and beverage outlets that appeal to both locals and guests and reflect their location are "the next step" for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Speaking to The Caterer at this week's International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, she added: "It's nice for our guests… to feel like they're part of a local community… It's about making our guests feel a lot more connected when they're in the city."
Existing examples include Hyatt's Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor in Germany, which has a Bavarian kitchen concept and, closer to home, the Hyatt Regency Birmingham's, featuring the Gentleman & Scholar pub (pictured). "It really, really works, the locals love it," said Black-Roberts.
As for future concepts, the 280-bedroom Hyatt Place London City/East, due to open in 2020, is set to have a rooftop bar with "its own identity".
Chef Robin Gill, who runs two restaurants in Clapham, south London, has been reported to be connected with the food and beverage offering at Hyatt's Great Scotland Yard hotel in Westminster, opening later this year, however representatives of Hyatt and Gill have declined to comment. The hotel is set to feature "sophisticated" food and beverage outlets.
With regards to other Hyatt brands, Black-Roberts said she "sees some opportunity" for Thompson Hotels in the UK. The luxury, boutique Thompson brand was absorbed through Hyatt's acquisition of boutique hotel company Two Roads Hospitality last year.
The group also plans to open its first Scottish property in 2021, the Hyatt Regency Edinburgh Marina, which will be the third Regency hotel in the UK and will include 197 guestrooms and 98 apartments as well as a spa. Black-Roberts described Edinburgh as a "critical" location for the group.
Hyatt's Two Roads acquisition results in slight drop in earnings >>
Hyatt reveals plans for first hotel in Scotland >>
Hyatt Place to open in east London >>
Great Scotland Yard to be first Hyatt Unbound hotel in UK >>
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