Mondrian London at Sea Containers becomes an independent hotel

The 359-bedroom Mondrian London at Sea Containers is to operate as an independent hotel from today after ending a management agreement with global lifestyle hospitality company SBE Entertainment Group.

Located on the capital's South Bank, the newly named Sea Containers London will now be managed by Lore Group, the asset manager for the hotel's existing owner Archlane.

Lore Group operates hotels in the US and Europe. It also creates and manages independent hotels under the Lore Collection, including the Pulitzer in Amsterdam and Riggs in Washington DC, and is involved in a joint venture at Soho House Amsterdam.

It said that it would be able "to offer guests a superior experience at the hotel in the future by operating independently" as opposed to being part of a global brand such as Mondrian, adding that with the growth of the group in 2018 "it feels like the right time to take full control of the management of the property".

Sea Containers London will continue to house Sea Containers restaurant; Dandelyan bar, which is due to relaunch with a new concept from Ryan Chetiyawardana at the end of March; the rooftop bar and outside terrace 12th Knot (formally Rumpus Room); Agua spa; and Curzon cinema.

Tom Dixon's transatlantic design of the hotel will largely remain as it is, with some interior updates expected in the future. Meanwhile, the graphic identity and branding will be refreshed with pop art-style illustrations reflecting the nautical history of the building designed by American architect Warren Platner and interiors, and staff will receive new uniforms.

Billy Skelli-Cohen, chief executive of Lore Group, said: "We're very excited about this new era and next step in the hotel's story. We look forward to offering guests at Sea Containers London a continued, unrivalled experience."

Sergio Leandro will continue as the hotel's general manager, while some of the regional members of the sales and marketing staff will take on new roles with SBE.

Following its exit from London, the Mondrian is left with three hotels in the US (Los Angeles, New York and South Beach) and one in Doha, Qatar.

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