Operator of Marco eatery to shake up Brum hotel scene
THE BOSS of the company behind the new Marco Pierre White restaurant and the Indigo luxury hotel in The Cube in Birmingham says the city’s hotel scene is ripe for change.
Speaking at the launch of the Cube building yesterday, Nick Taplin, managing director of Sanguine Hospitality said the group was planning another project in Birmingham because the city offered significant opportunities for his business.
He said: “We see opportunities for our business here and also more opportunities within Birmingham city itself. We do have eyes on another project in Brum. I wouldn’t say Birmingham is over-developed in terms of hotels, I’d say it’s under-demolished because there a lot of hotels here that shouldn’t be.
“There are buildings that call themselves hotels, and with more good hotels coming in, the older ones will either refurbish or change their use. “
Sanguine had ambitious plans for its portfolio around the UK, he said: “We’re a growing company in a great position, and we have great backers. We’re going to be running and opening hotels when the country is in a much better condition.”
Since its launch less than three years ago, Sanguine has forged partnerships with Intercontinental Hotels and Hilton Group, as well as Michelin-starred chef White, pictured right, to operate his Steakhouse brand restaurants.
Mr Taplin said: “We operate eight properties across the UK. We currently have 350 bedrooms open. By the end of 2011 we’ll have 1,000 open or under construction. By the end of 2012 we’ll have over 2,100 open or under construction. Birmingham is the second of five Hotel Indigos across the UK. We have a site under construction in Liverpool which opens in June, then Newcastle in December next year.”
“Indigo is Intercontinental’s new chic boutique hotel brand. This is a very new product to the UK – this is only the second site outside London – but it’s growing very very quickly and with Intercontinental’s backing it will be a new hotel brand that will have longevity within the industry.”
Speaking at the launch of the Cube and the restaurant and hotel fit-out, developer Neil Edginton said most floors of the development were at least 50% let, and completion of the pre-sold residential units was underway, but up to 120 apartments would go on sale in the New Year.
