DoubleTree by Hilton Opens in Bristol After £5M Renovation

In May, after an extensive refurbishment, the DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre opened its doors once again. The public areas and all 201 guestrooms have been transformed, bringing them up to the high standards that DoubleTree by Hilton have set.

The new design concept pays tribute to the city's proud industrial and seafaring heritage. Several antiques from Bristol's heyday adorn the hotel. The hotel's centerpiece if the Kiln Restaurant, a listed 17th century kiln which originally forged glassware, is now home to culinary craftsmanship of similar pedigree. DoubleTree is owned by Focus Hotels Management Ltd, and operated under a franchise agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide. The location sees the hotel just 400m from Bristol Temple Meads rail station and on Redcliffe Way, the main road which leads directly to the historic docks.

Simon Vincen, President, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said: "With the city having recently been shortlisted to be European Green Capital 2015, it is an exciting time to be expanding our portfolio here."

Whiteley Over 90 Per Cent Let

Whiteley, a joint venture retail and leisure development by British Land and Universities Superannuation Scheme, opens in June and is already 91 per cent let (by rent) after 16 new lettings were secured.

Speaking on the recent acquisitions, Claire Barber, Head of Shopping Centre Asset Management for British Land said: "We are in a really strong position with four weeks to go until opening. We have secured a unique line-up with a clear focus on fashion, food and beverage and local, independent retailers, creating a real point of difference for our customers.".

Whiteley will be anchored by a 60,000sq ft M&S. Other retailers will include Next, H&M, Boots and many more. The site will benefit from a large and affluent catchment of 1.2 million people with a potential spend of £3.2bn.

Four New Signings at Gloucester

With the four new signings of Ed's Easy Diner, Zizzi Ristorante, Chimichanga and Loungers, pre-lets at Gloucester Quays' New Quayside Extension now account for over 85 per cent of the centre, with seven months still to go before the formal opening.

The £60M extension will feature a state-of-the-art digital 1,600-seat Cineworld ten-screen cinema and up to 11 restaurants and bars, along with a 1,486sq m health and fitness centre operated by The Gym. The extension, due to open in December 2013, has created around 500 additional jobs and will push the centre to a size just under 250,000sq ft in size.

Comprising of leading high street and designer brands, Gloucester Quays, owned by The Peel Group, has rapidly become a popular regional and major-award winning destination. Shopper footfall numbers are set to reach three million per annum by the end of 2013.
Historic Arcade Unveiled After £3M Restoration

National commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton is bringing an historic Leicester Victorian shopping arcade to market following an impressive £3M refurbishment.

Originally built in the 19th century by local architect Amos Hall, it is one of only two four-storey shopping arcades in the UK. The unique building is located at the heart of the city's retail centre. It consists of 20 retail units situated next to the entrance of The Lanes - a distinct quarter of the city centre that offers an eclectic variety of retailers. The arcade will form a natural link for shoppers from Leicester's famous open market to other parts of the city's retail offering.

Martin Herbert, Director at LSH's Leicester office, said:"After being closed for the past ten years, Silver Arcade has now been refurbished to a very high standard."

Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill Opens at the Savoy

On 2 May, The Savoy launched one of its most exciting restaurants to date in its 124-year history, Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill.

Located in the heart of London panoramic views of the River Thames and other london landmarks , the restaurant will offer up an informal yet luxury dining experience in an elegant Twenties-style setting. Eager to adapt to the demands of the London food scene, Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill will be an all-day dining affair, seven days a week restaurant serving a wide range of cuisine to satisfy all palates.

The seafood bar will centre the restaurant, encouraging a dynamic and bustling atmosphere allowing the restaurant to seamlessly switch from a breakfast bar to a lunch and dinner environment. The naming of Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill was key to the development of this concept. As Kiaran MacDonald says: "Not only in its name does Kaspar's keep alive the wonderful history that this four legged friend brought to the hotel almost 100 years ago, but as an informal, yet chic brasserie style restaurant it will also meet the demands of today's regular diners."

The art deco inspired restaurant was designed by Robert Angull Design Studio. They used a Twenties and Thirties template in keeping with The Savoy's history.

The feel of a hushed hotel dining room will be replaced with a timeless, stylish and comfortable interior which will help to create a lovely ambience and compliment the new informal menu designed by Head Chef James Pare.