Independent operator Hotel La Tour says it is targeting rapid expansion across the UK following the launch of its first venue in Birmingham. The £24m development on the fringe of the EastSide district and close to the site of the expected HS2 terminal, has 174 bedrooms and suites, a restaurant and bar inspired by Michelin-starred Chef Marcus Wareing, coffee shop and conference facilities.
The Northampton-based company, led by managing director Jane Schofield, is a new venture for members of the former management team of Hayley Conference Centres which was acquired by private equity firm Permira in a £358m deal May 2007.
Much of the private equity for the Birmingham development has come from the sale of Hayley and funding has now been secured for a second site, in Manchester. Hotel La Tour plans to develop a total of five hotels in the next five years.
More than 2,000 candidates applied for 100 full- and part-time jobs at the Albert Street hotel and £1m of inquiries had been received prior to this week’s opening.
Mrs Schofield said: “As always our focus is on looking after our guests so there’s no big launch, we’re getting on with the business of delivering great customer service.”
Marcus Wareing and his team have been advising on menu concepts and ongoing training and service standards alongside Alex Penhaligon, Head Chef at the hotel’s brasserie-style Aalto Restaurant.
