Hotels, Hospitality & Leisure

Advising on banking and finance matters requires deep knowledge of the hotels, hospitality and leisure industry’s financing needs and lender‑borrower dynamics. Our Banking & Finance lawyers provide expert advice on acquisition, asset‑based, real estate and supply‑chain financing, structured facilities and refinancing arrangements. We work seamlessly with tax, corporate, property, restructuring, and dispute teams to structure bespoke lending solutions, manage enforcement risks, and support investors, lenders and operators across complex, high‑value transactions.

• Acted for an investment bank in its joint venture with a US theme park operator, for the development and management of a multi-billion mixed-use development in Dubai.
• Lead solicitor for a Shari’ah-compliant investment bank in its proposed joint venture with Nakheel Hotels in the novation of an easyHotels master franchise agreement to the joint venture SPV for the rollout of budget hotels across the MENA region.

• Acted and assisted on the property aspects of the refinancing of two substantial and well-known hotels in central London.
• Acted for an overseas multiple hotel operator on the acquisition and finance of its first hotel in the UK.

• Real estate support on multiple banking and finance matters in the hotels, hospitality & leisure sector.

• Acted for a hotel operator on the acquisition, financing and refinancing of a number of its portfolio of privately operated UK hotels and acquisition of a multinational franchised hotel.
• Provided due diligence on a suite of hotel franchising and management documentation for a major German bank’s property finance arm proposing to refinance the owner of a large hotel chain in Europe.
• Acted on the refinance of a portfolio of six boutique hotels.
• Advised a UK bank in its capacity as lead lender on enforcement options of a multimillion-dollar syndicated loan facility secured against an international chain of hotels.
• Represented a sovereign wealth fund in the acquisition by sale-and-manage-back of a landmark London hotel for £400m.

Our experienced hospitality lawyers provide strategic advice on branded residences, supporting developers and investors in launching luxury living concepts. From brand affiliation agreements to service-level covenants and compliance, we combine industry insight with commercial pragmatism to structure innovative, high-value residential projects that align brand standards with investor returns.

• Advised various Dubai government real estate companies on several branded residences including W Residences, Palm Jumeirah; The Address Residences Downtown Dubai and Kempinski Palm Residences.
• Advised Hilton Worldwide on multiple branded residence projects including The Hilton Tanger City Centre Hotel & Residences, The Conrad Algarve Residences, and The Waldorf Astoria Residences Jerusalem.
• Advised clients on the acquisition and disposal of a variety of branded hotels (both franchised and managed) with InterContinental Hotels Group, Choice, Accor and Hilton Worldwide as well as advising on the F&B outlets within such hotels.
• Negotiated hotel management agreements throughout the UAE for the hotel owners of the Hard Rock Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Radisson Blue Dubai Marina, and multiple Marriot branded hotels within Dubai (including W Dubai – the Palm and the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai).

Advising on commercial agreements requires a deep understanding of the hotels, hospitality and leisure industry’s operational intricacies. Our team provides strategic advice on a wide range of agreements, including franchise, management, supply, joint venture, and licensing contracts. We assist clients in drafting, negotiating, and structuring agreements that align with their business objectives, ensuring compliance with sector-specific regulations and mitigating potential risks. Our practical, commercial approach ensures clients’ interests are protected in both competitive and commercial contexts.

• Advised Wyndham on a number of operational matters for hotels under various Wyndham brands in the EMEAA region.
• Advised IHG in negotiations on a multiple development agreement with a major developer in Russia, for development of 15 hotels, and the launch of the Holiday Inn Express brand throughout Russia.
• Acted for an owner in terminating the HMA with the manager (by successfully reducing the termination notice from 6 to 3 months), revising and negotiating (i) the franchise and ancillary agreements with Marriott International (for the hotel to be converted into a Tribute hotel in the UK), and (ii) negotiating the HMA with the new manager.
• Acted for the owner in negotiating the HMA in relation to a spa and golf hotel in the UK.
• Acted for one of the biggest real estate management companies in the UK in drafting and negotiating the management services agreement and the comfort letter for the flexible serviced offices in Manchester.
• Acted for the owner in terminating the HMA with the operator and preparing and negotiating the HMA with the new operator, in relation to a Hilton Garden hotel in the UK (currently preparing an amended and restated HMA for this hotel).
• Acted for the owner in terminating the HMA with the manager and negotiating the HMA with the new manager, in relation to a Holiday Inn hotel in the UK.
• Advised Cycas Hospitality in negotiating and executing a hotel management agreements and ancillary documents for Staybridge Suites and Indigo hotels in Dundee.
• Advised Cycas Hospitality in negotiating an HMA to operate the new 153-room Moxy Liverpool City Centre hotel
• Advised Cycas Hospitality to negotiate an HMA for Adagio Access hotel in Manchester.
• Acted for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (London office, HQ) in negotiating conversion of two hotels (Wyndham Marina Dubai, Tryp Dubai) from managed into franchised properties.
• Advised Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (London office, HQ) in negotiating and execution of numerous licence agreements in the EMEAA region in Turkey.
• Acted for the owner of the Old War Office (the Raffles hotel, UK) on the licensing, services and branding agreement for the spa (Guerlain).
• Acted for the owner of the Old War Office (the Raffles hotel, UK) in drafting and negotiating the licence agreement for the Pillar Wellness Centre (the gym).
• Advised the owner of the Old War Office (the Raffles hotel, UK) on the services agreement for creation of original perfume compositions.
• Negotiated for the owner of the Old War Office (the Raffles hotel, UK) a set of agreements for F&B areas with Chef Mauro Colagreco (including a Michelin star restaurant).
• Advised Vanity Group on developing the supply agreement template of luxury hotel amenity products.
• Acted for the restaurateur and chef Mike Robinson in negotiating the F&B consultancy services agreement for provision of the services with the hotel owner and manager at hotel Indigo Chester.

• Substantial commercial drafting of contracts for dealers in art including with major art auction houses, such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Philip’s.

• Advised on the outsourcing of hospitality operations, including appointing Searcy’s to operate bars/restaurants within hotels (acting for the hotel owners).
• Provided a wide variety of commercial contract work for McDonald’s, as well as a very broad range of marketing and merchandising work.
• Provided various sales promotional advice for Harry Ramsden and BB’s Coffee and Muffins.
• Advised Sports Direct on agreements relating to the acquisition and management of a chain of gyms.
• Advised TBA Plc in relation to the provision of event services, VIP hospitality and private club experiences at global sports events including F1 Events, Rugby World Cup, Olympics, Ryder Cup (for clients including Liberty, McLaren F1, Red Bull, The FA, IMG, IOC, RWC, World Rugby and Diageo).
• Negotiated the terms of a chef event appearance for Ocado at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
• Advised a leading international chef on international hotel partnership possibilities.
• Represented a high-profile chef in relation to his engagement for a high-net-worth private party held at an iconic London venue.
• Advised on the terms of an agreement for a motorsport launch party held at the Serpentine Gallery.
• Advised on the contract for the BRDC Awards lunch held at the Savoy Hotel.
• Reviewed contractual terms for the Autosport Awards dinner held at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
• Drafted multiple talent agreements for Flippers Roller Boogie Palace in London.
• Advised on the terms of a VIP dinner held at Millennium Stadium prior to The British Lions.
• Advised the owner of The Scotch Club, London, on issues connected to the resolution of a commercial dispute.
• Negotiated sponsorship terms with a leading Oxfordshire gastropub.
• Negotiated the terms of outdoor event agreements with leading rural venues.
• Handled individual and group claims relating to food safety issues involving international hotels and cruise lines.
• Advised on contractual issues relating to the staging of the Lap of Lights leisure event at Silverstone circuit.
• Advising on the Sound Lounge lease renewal proposed redevelopment of the Sound Lounge premises at 216-220 High St, Sutton as part of the Elm Grove regeneration project.
• Advised Virgin Group Loyalty Company on the terms of its core long-term commercial relationship with Virgin Atlantic Airways.
• Advised a provider of in-person and virtual conferences on its contractual relationships with its sponsors and attendees.
• Advised Expedia on its contractual arrangements with various third-party reseller entities.
• Advised Expedia on the terms of its multi-year commercial relationship with Thomas Cook.
• Assisted a media company with a strong social media following in the Chinese market, on a cross-border licensing and high-value influencer arrangement with a British nutraceutical company.
• Working on a huge range of commercial agreements in the hotel sector including international franchise agreements for one of the world’s leading hotel chains.

Our commercial property lawyers are experienced in advising on a wide range of real estate matters, from acquisitions, disposals and leasing to development and portfolio management. We structure real estate arrangements with operational control, brand consistency and financial performance in mind.

• Acted in the acquisition of a shopping centre and high-street units (including agreements for construction of premises within shopping centres and schemes), lease renewals and re-gears for many household-name retailers and restaurateurs including Prezzo Plc, ASK, Pizza Express, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Cote Restaurants, Bill’s, Hakkasan, Ping Pong, Hawksmoor, Ignite Group (Bumpkin), La Senza, Ryman, L’Occitane, Dune, Tiger Retail, Firetrap, and Sonnetti, and a large Middle-Eastern retail and restaurant client with over 2,500 units and over 75 brands under franchise.
• Acted on the acquisition of various restaurant sites, both freehold and leasehold, for Le Pain Quotidien and Giraffe in London and around the UK.
• Acted for national brand tenant Chopstix in the roll-out of over 20 restaurant acquisitions in Central London and major shopping centres and high-street locations nationwide.
• Acted for a portfolio of various restaurant, café, and leisure operators including advice on making first acquisition, licensing, service charges, lease acquisitions, lease renewals, and landlord and tenant matters.

• Acted on a lease renewal for a four-floor private members’ club on Kings Road at a rent of £330k per annum.
• Acted on the sale of two nightclubs in Central London – an iconic Strip Club for £4.5m and a famous club which dates back to the 1950s for £5.3m.
• Advised an adult entertainment client based in the US on the taking of a lease of an iconic hospitality building in Soho which had a long history of adult entertainment use. The lease negotiations were concluded in a short time despite being complicated by extensive dilapidation. Advised on termination rights for the client in various unique circumstances and licensing issues.
• Provided ongoing advice to the Chopstix Group (approx. 150 sites) in relation to acquisitions, disposals, lease interpretation and management issues.

• Acted for the landlord in relation to the purchase of a retail portfolio in Leicester Square including a souvenir shop, theatre ticket shop, Ann Summers Shop and a wine bar.

• Acted for the owner in connection with consultants’ appointments for the refurbishment of a world-class luxury hotel.
• Advised a national hotel group on issues arising on new-build and refurbishment projects involving claims made against contractors and consultants.

• Acted on the property aspects of the corporate purchase of 5 operational hotels from Corus Group for £50 million. Acted on the sale of 4 individual sales of the hotels.
• Acted in the acquisition of The Pelham Hotel, South Kensington, for a consortium of investors.
• Acted in the acquisition of The Gore Hotel, South Kensington, for a consortium of investors.
• Acted in the acquisition and management of a bar and nightclub on King Street, Bristol, for private investors.
• Advised on a new hotel development in Borough, London.
• Acted for a client in an agreement for lease and lease negotiation at a shopping centre in central London. Further advice provided on planning and licensing conditionality, core commercial property in connection with the new lease and the associated supplemental documents.
• Advised a client on a new sports bar and restaurant in a new development, including advice on planning, licensing, commercial property and constructions issues associated with taking space in a landmark new development.
• Advised on a boutique hotel development in London’s Borough Market area including in connection with the developer for the construction of a 50-bedroom boutique London hotel with separate food and beverage offering and a roof terrace.
• Instructed to act on a complex redevelopment agreement for lease transaction conditional on planning, licensing and development obligations on landlord and tenant.

• Advised on the letting of a historic Chelsea pub.
• Acted on the lease of a new gym franchise’s first site in the City of London.
• Acted for a Japanese patisserie on the lease of its flagship Soho site.
• Acted for a new concept sake bar on the opening of its London site.
• Advised the landlord of a leading London events arena on negotiations to vary the £2m per annum lease granted to the events operator.
• Acted for (initially) and thereafter supported the team looking after Pure Gym on its rollout of over 200 premises across the UK.
• Acted on the acquisition and supported development of a portfolio of pubs/hotels in the Cotswolds.
• Acted on behalf of Golden Tulip Hotels in the purchase, forward funding and supporting development of Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn hotels, ranging from straightforward single-site developments to complex developments on unique (and challenging) regeneration sites.
• Acted and assisted on the property aspects of the refinancing of two substantial and well-known hotels in central London.
• Acted for a hotel operator on the acquisition, financing and refinancing of a number of its portfolio of privately operated UK hotels and acquisition of a multinational franchised hotel.
• Acted for a multiple hotel operator on the acquisition of two hotels in the UK.
• Advised the owners of a large hotel in respect of a £500k dispute regarding the validity of a notice to complete.
• Acted for Soho Coffee Shops’ multiple acquisitions and landlord and tenant matters.
• Acted on behalf of Golden Tulip Limited re property due diligence in connection with the disposal of shares to Whitbread plc.
• Advised a Michelin-star restaurant business on its real estate requirements.
• Advised on a large-scale retail repurposing project of a department store in London to create a leisure, music and hospitality venue.
• Advised Chelsea Football Club on its stadium redevelopment.
• Advised a bank on its refinancing of various 6-star hotels in central London.
• Advised Harrods on the development of part of its Knightsbridge store.
• Advised a leisure operator on the opening of its first UK store on Oxford Street, London.

Our leading construction and projects lawyers advise on construction and project delivery throughout the hospitality lifecycle. Whether it’s design and build, EPC contracts, or BIM workflows, we actively collaborate with developers, contractors and funders to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in line with operational needs and ESG targets.

• Drafted and negotiated the UK roll-out of construction documents in the UK for Pure Gym across over 70 sites including the first at Spinningfields, Manchester, in 2009.
• Advised and drafted the contract suite based on JCT D&B 2016 with further considerations for phase 1 (£60m) proposed hotel development in Cornwall, acting for Kingfisher UNA Resort Ltd and St James’ Construction Ltd.
• Drafted contracts (JCT, ICC-based plus consultants’ appointments, assignments and novations) for a number of hotel groups including Holiday Inn Express, Luxury Family Hotels Group and Cotswolds-based boutique hotel group Dunkerton Properties LLP with a build value for each site of between £450,000 and £4.2m.
• Acted for the successful contractor for recovery of sums due in both SG South Ltd v (1) Kings Head Cirencester LLP (2) Cornhall Arcade Ltd  and SG South Ltd v Swan Yard (Cirencester) Ltd  in relation to a shopping centre development and high-end hotel.
• Advised on various contractual issues arising from works at hotels at Moonfleet Manor, Dorset, and Thornbury Castle.
• Acted for Dowdeswell Estates (Building Contractors) Ltd in relation to contractual issues with their supply chain and fund raising in relation to a number of their hotel renovation sites including a £55m city centre re-development in Gloucester.
• Drafted SMA Building and Maintenance Solution Limited’s framework agreement with Majestic Wines for property maintenance work to be done across 107 stores, within the UK.
• Supported an ultra-high-net-worth individual, who is a key player in the global gambling industry, with the negotiation of all construction documents for the £40m renovation of the property and grounds of a country estate in Hampshire.

• Acted for the owner in connection with consultants’ appointments for the refurbishment of a world-class luxury hotel.
• Advised a national hotel group on issues arising on new-build and refurbishment projects involving claims made against contractors and consultants.

• Acted in the acquisition of a shopping centre and high-street units (including agreements for construction of premises within shopping centres and schemes), lease renewals and re-gears for many household-name retailers and restaurateurs including Prezzo Plc, ASK, Pizza Express, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Cote Restaurants, Bill’s, Hakkasan, Ping Pong, Hawksmoor, Ignite Group (Bumpkin), La Senza, Ryman, L’Occitane, Dune, Tiger Retail, Firetrap, and Sonnetti, and a large Middle-Eastern retail and restaurant client with over 2,500 units and over 75 brands under franchise.

• Acted for an investment bank in its joint venture with a US theme park operator, for the development and management of a multi-billion mixed-use development in Dubai.

• Acted for the fit-out contractor refurbishing a well-known hotel in Mayfair. The form of contract was a JCT Design and Build Contract amended by a schedule of amendments. Ensured that the contractor was fully aware of the design risk and passing this on. Sectional completion dates on a room-by-room basis were key issues.
• Acted for the developer on a new Travelodge development in Oxford.
• Advised upon the construction contracts and ancillary documents for a hotel in Birmingham.
• Acted for the developers of nightclubs and fitness centres across the UK.
• Contract review for ISG on a hotel in central London.

Our dispute resolution lawyers extensive experience helps clients mitigate risks and resolve disputes in hospitality, from commercial breaches to contractor claims and partnership breakdowns. With a sharp commercial approach, we swiftly assess options, negotiate settlements, or pursue litigation and arbitration – prioritising reputation protection and cost‑effective outcomes.

• Acted successfully on the reported TCC case of SG South v Swan Yard (Cirencester) Ltd . Enforcement of adjudication award pursuant to a management contract overcoming jurisdictional challenge.
• Acted for Domino’s Pizza (and their franchisees) on a range of landlord and tenant disputes.

• Acted for a hotel developer and related operator in relation to all legal aspects, including disputes arising from the design and build of hotels with claims up to £120m concerning delays and defects and a dispute heard in the Court of Appeal.
• Acted for a hotel developer and operator in relation to disputes arising from the refurbishment or fit-out concerning delays and defects.
• Acted for a contractor defending claims concerning alleged defective cladding and fire safety issues and defects on several hotels.
• Acted for an insurer concerning recovery claims following indemnity of defective cladding and delays and defects claims on several hotels.
• Represented hospital trusts on claims arising from the procurement and delivery of projects including project time and cost overruns, performance of the consultant team, and actions against the contractors for delays in completion and defective performance.
• Advised a national hotel group on issues arising on new build and refurbishment projects involving claims made against contractors and consultants.
• Provided advice on various property and construction aspects to the parent company of a chain of restaurants regarding a potential dispute with developers and landlords at a new site with a high-value lease.
• Advised a property developer on issues relating to the project fallout following the main contractor’s insolvency on a large hotel and restaurant project, including dealing with termination as well as bond, consultancy issues, and damages.
• Advised a consultancy company on a dispute with complex design and installation issues, affecting a development at a Hotel in Cornwall with possible claims against a sub-contractor/sub-consultant.
• Acted on disputes between franchisors and franchisees of major restaurant chains.
• Advised a senior executive of a global restaurant chain on an earn-out dispute.
• Acted for the funder in a dispute between the funder and developer of a central London hotel where the main contractor suddenly became insolvent.
• Advised the investor in a non-FCA-regulated fractional hotel ownership scheme on termination of the sale contract and recouping its investment.

Our specialist employment lawyers regularly advise on employment and HR matters across hotels, restaurants, and leisure operations, handling recruitment, contractor status, retention, redundancy, and whistleblowing frameworks. We foresee emerging sector trends to help clients maintain compliant and engaged workforces.

• Assisted a luxury hotel and hospitality groups with protected conversations and settlement agreements.
• Advised luxury hotel and hospitality groups with the exits of senior executives.
• Assisted a luxury hotel group with the early settlement of a number of discrimination claims in the Employment Tribunal.
• Advised a Korean restaurant on their restructure and redundancy.
• Acted for a major Korean restaurant chain on their intra-group TUPE transfer.
• Successfully acted for a café chain on their employment dispute involving race discrimination and unfair dismissal issues in the Employment Tribunal.
• Advised on business immigration issues for a leading London restaurant including sponsor licence application and skilled worker visa.
• Supported luxury brands with highly sensitive matters, including alleged sexual harassment in the workplace, involving employees and, at times, high-profile guests.
• Assisted a luxury hotel group with sickness absence management and related claims.
• Advised luxury hotel groups on redundancy and restructure processes.
• Advised luxury hotel and hospitality groups on policies, handbooks and procedures.
• Provided regular training to senior management and HR to a luxury hotel group.

• Advised a hotel group on employment issues related to the sale of 11 of its 13 hotels.
• Advised a chain of hotels in relation to making 1,300 redundancies and in its renegotiation of contractual terms.
• Advised on employment issues related to a purchase of a hotel for Curious Drakes (Brighton) Limited 2023.
• Advised on employment issues related to the purchase of a hotel for Ivymax 2 Ltd.
• Advised a billionaire on the establishment of his successful Mayfair private members’ club.
• Drafted terms of employment, contracts and staff handbooks for organisations such as Radisson (Edwardian Group London), Brookfield, ChinaWhite, Quantum Care, Ravensbourne, and Southwark College.
• Successfully defended an international hotel chain against a claim for transgender discrimination.

• Acted for a restaurant chain on all aspects of employment advice including day-to-day employment issues including minimum wage, tips, layoff, restructuring and collective redundancy.
• Acted for private members clubs / individuals in gig economy cases involving worker status, self-employed and employee status and unfair dismissal.
• Defended a claim for a private members’ club for unfair dismissal involving a preliminary finding as to whether a lap dancer was employed or self-employed.
• Defended multiple claims for unfair dismissal for an online cross-border adult entertainment site involving different jurisdictions and employment status issues.
• Represented 27 individuals engaged at a national art gallery to obtain worker status when they had paid PAYE and NI but told they were self-employed.
• Advised a polo club on terms and conditions for employees, service occupancy and TUPE issues.
• Advised a hospitality trade association in respect of day-to-day staffing issues.

Advising on franchising requires a deep understanding of the hotels, hospitality and leisure sector’s brand, operational and regulatory needs. Our franchising specialists guide clients through drafting and negotiating franchise agreements, training and operations manuals, and intellectual property protection. We manage compliance with UK regulations, BFA standards, expansion strategies and dispute resolution, ensuring that both franchisors and franchisees enter partnerships that are scalable, sustainable, and commercially secure.

• Advised Wyndham on the franchise agreement with a large real estate developer in Russia for a 469-room Ramada Encore by Wyndham hotel in St Petersburg, Russia, (as part of a mixed-use development).
• Advised Wyndham on the franchise agreement for Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as their first hotel in the territory of Kyrgyzstan (including coordination of all IP issues).
• Advised Marriott on negotiating and successful signing circa 20+ franchise agreements under various Marriott brands in the UK, Europe and Russia.
• Advised Marriott on a 133-room Moxy and a 150-room Renaissance franchise agreements in Bordeaux, France.
• Advised Marriott on a  development of a single-envelope 144-room Moxy hotel and a 92-room extended-stay Residence Inn hotel in Slough, UK, to be operated by Cycas Hospitality and leased by Slough Borough Council.

• Advised a property fund on the terms of its hotel franchise agreement with Marriott for the conversion of a hotel into the Marriott Autograph line.
• Advised franchisees taking on national food franchises including Subway and McDonald’s.

• Advised on lease and franchise documentation for Hampton by Hilton in a city centre in Poland.
• Advised the Tower Hotel Rotterdam on the terms of its franchise agreement with Marriott.
• Advised on franchise agreements for the Days Inn brand.
• Advised on franchise agreements under the Hilton brand.
• Acted on disputes between franchisors and franchisees of major restaurant chains.
• Advised Frogmore Real Estate Investment Managers on hotel management agreements and hotel franchise agreements.

Our specialist lawyers’ extensive experience in providing strategic guidance on health and safety helps operators manage guest and workforce risks. From food hygiene, fire safety, and pandemic preparedness to incident response procedures, our guidance ensures compliance with regulations and supports risk‑based policies that protect guests, staff, and reputations.

• Acted for hospitality venues on health and safety claims, including in relation to an incident involving the death of a patron.
• Advised central London hospitality venues on access issues and discrimination claims.
• Handled individual and group claims relating to food safety issues involving international hotels and cruise lines.
• Secured an increase in capacity and various licences for the Secret Garden Party through close dealings with the district council, police, health authority, local parish councils and residents in the surrounding villages.
• Increased the attendance capacity of Boomtown Festival to 50,000 through close partnership with the police, fire authority, health authority and other members of the Safety Advisory Group.

Our expert commercial lawyers provide specialist guidance on hotel management agreements, advising brands, owners and operators across fee structures, terminations, performance standards, and dispute resolution. We align interests and operational deliverables to create partnerships that enhance brand value and asset performance.

• Advised Allied London Properties on the F&B outlets and management agreement for a boutique hotel in central Manchester.
• Negotiated hotel management agreements throughout the UAE for the hotel owners of the Hard Rock Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Radisson Blue Dubai Marina, and multiple Marriot branded hotels within Dubai (including W Dubai – the Palm, and the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai).
• Negotiated serviced apartment management agreements for SACO Real Estate Group throughout the UK, Switzerland and Denmark.

• Advised Coroin on the re-organisation of intra-group management arrangements for Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley.
• Advised Lulu/Great Scotland Yard Hotel on their development and management agreement with Hyatt.
• Advised Arora on multiple management and operations agreements.
• Advised Frogmore Real Estate Investment Managers on hotel management agreements and hotel franchise agreements.
• Advised on hotel management agreements for hotels operating under the Marriott brand.
• Advised a leisure operator on hotel management agreements relating to the Mercure brand.
• Negotiated a management agreement for the serviced apartments in the heart of London (St. Paul) for Jurny, Inc. to operate and implement its pioneering proprietary technology (SaaS-based management solutions) in the apartments, acting for Clockwork Group (a family-owned alliance of businesses based in London with interests in healthcare and insurance as well as a specialisation in property investment and development).
• Drafted and negotiated the management services agreement and the comfort letter for the flexible serviced offices in Manchester, acting for one of the biggest real estate management companies in the UK.
• Advised Cycas Hospitality on a hotel management agreement with Niveda Realty and Marriott International to operate the new 153-room Moxy Liverpool City Centre hotel.

Our intellectual property lawyers provide strategic advice on intellectual property and brand management in hospitality, safeguarding trade marks, design rights and licensing frameworks. We support brand portfolio roll‑outs, enforcement strategies, and co‑branding initiatives to protect identity, guest trust, and commercial goodwill.

• Advised Wyndham on the franchise agreement for Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as their first hotel in the territory of Kyrgyzstan (including coordination of all IP issues).

• Lead solicitor for a Shari’ah-compliant investment bank in its proposed joint venture with Nakheel Hotels in the novation of an easyHotels master franchise agreement to the joint venture SPV for the rollout of budget hotels across the MENA region.

• Advised Wyndham on the franchise agreement with a large real estate developer in Russia for a 469-room Ramada Encore by Wyndham hotel in St Petersburg, Russia, as part of a mixed use development.
• Acted on disputes between franchisors and franchisees of major restaurant chains.

Our highly specialist lawyers advise on all aspects of licensing including alcohol, entertainment, gambling and late-night operations for venues and hotels. From securing permissions to navigating hearings, representation and compliance, we support clients in meeting regulatory obligations and mitigating enforcement risk.

• Advised on the roll-out of the Simmons Bars venues, and the subsequent sale to private equity for £10 million.

• Advised on the successful expedited licence review for Ballie Ballerson.
• Advised on the successful expedited licence review for Proud Cabaret Group.
• Advised on two successful licence reviews for Simmons Bars Group.
• Advised on licensing matters for Simmons Bars Group, The Steelyard, Nice Bars Group, The Natural Kitchen, Proud Cabaret Group, and the London Shuffleboard Club.
• Advised on serial successful licence applications in key London Cumulative Impact zones, including Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Greenwich.
• Advised venue owners and investors on the use of CBD products in the UK.
• Acted in 2020 for Club Aquarium on the expedited review of its premises licence (one of the few remaining 24-hour nightclub licences).
• Acting on all licensing matters for a chain of luxury country house hotels.

• Licensed a key hotel project in the UK including the Chiltern Firehouse, Marriot International, Starwood, Baglioni Hotel and Grange Hotel.
• Acted for the Devonshire Club, a large private members’ hotel and restaurant in the heart of the City of London on a premises licence granted in 2016.
• Acted for the Curtain Road Hotel (a very large hotel in Shoreditch owned by Gansevoort Hotel Group from New York City) in the hosting of up to 1,800 people and including a private members’ club in the basement, large restaurant at ground floor, conference suite, 220 rooms, and rooftop terrace and pool area on a premises licence granted in 2016.
• Advised L’Escargot, one of the oldest restaurants in Soho, in several applications.
• Acted on an application for a new premises licence ongoing with planning and licensing completed in last year with a stunning rooftop development in the heart of the City of London and with 360 degree views opening with much-extended later hours.
• Advised a number of football clubs about stadia licensing, including provision for outdoor music events.
• Advised on the licensing of the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.
• Advised on the licensing of large outdoor Festival No. 6 in Portmeirion, Wales, despite significant residential opposition.
• Retained by a regional police force to provide advice and advocacy relating to premises licence reviews due to crime and disorder concerns.
• Instructed by a regional police force to apply for an Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO) in Blackpool.
• Advised cruise ship operator on the legality of permitting smoking in its casinos aboard ships departing the UK and sailing in territorial and international waters. This was a complex matter involving advice on smoking laws in the UK, in and outside territorial waters.
• Represented a nightclub in Manchester in relation to a summary licence review brought by GMP following a violent incident (stabbing) at the premises.
• Provided regulatory advice to a retailer relating to preventing sales of alcohol, knives, and other age restricted items in its stores.
• Advised on a premises licence application for a retail store in an overprovision area of Glasgow. Appeared before the Licensing Board in Glasgow in relation to the contested licensing application.
• Advised on licensing the world’s most visited modern art museum, the Tate Modern on London’s Bankside. Secured the grant of a new and extended premises licence following the completion of its £260 million extension.
• Obtained a 24-hour licence for W Hotel.
• Secured a 2am licence for Hakkasan.
• Secured the licence for Chiltern Firehouse.
• Acted in the licensing of Park Chinois, Duck and Rice and Babaji for Alan Yau.
• Secured the licences for Bounce and Flight Club Dart’s social entertainment venues.
• Acted in the relicensing of the 24-hour licence for W Hotel.
• Obtained extension of hours and capacities for premises located in the West End Stress Area including obtaining an extension from midnight to 3am and an increase in capacity.
• Obtained the licence for several new Everyman Cinema branches across the country.
• Assisted Tasty PLC in its expansion across the UK.
• Advised on obtaining a new premises licence in a very tricky part of Westminster City Council. The application was granted following objections by local residents associations and ward councillor. The new licence enables Market Hall to open their fourth new site.
• Advised Spearmint Rhino on the renewal of its SEV licence following objections from the Camden authorities, which was successfully reinstated through close liaison with the police and authorities.
• Advised the Royal Albert Hall on all of its licensing aspects including the re-introduction of boxing and wrestling at the venue following the incorrect application, and resolving local residents’ concern and apprehension.
• Secured an increase in capacity and various licences for the Secret Garden Party through close dealings with the district council, police, health authority, local parish councils and residents in the surrounding villages.
• Increased the attendance capacity of Boomtown Festival to 50,000 through close partnership with the police, fire authority, health authority and other members of the Safety Advisory Group.
• Secured licensing for the £30 million development of Warwickshire County Cricket Club at Edgbaston, including the stand arena, conference centre, bar and function facilities.
• Advised on general licensing and obtained a special treatment licence for the Agua Spa at the Sanderson Hotel.
• Successfully defended a well-known London pub in respect of a highly contested review application brought by numerous local residents.
• Obtained a new premises licence for a brewery, bar and restaurant complex in one of Hackney Council’s Special Policy Areas.
• Acted on behalf of Carluccio’s in respect of its recent sale to Boparan Group.
• Obtained a new bar premises licence for an internationally recognised brand in the City of Westminster’s West End Stress Area outside of Core Hours.
• Acted in the varying of 12 premises licences for a large brewery group to extend their hours.
• Assisting in the successful submission of applications for new premises licences in stress areas for large hotels and developments’
• Successfully obtained new premises licences for an award-winning bar and restaurant group across the south coast.
• Obtained alcohol licences for a group of blow dry and updo bars as they roll out across London, to allow customers to enjoy champagne and cocktails during their treatments.
• Defended several health and safety prosecutions brought against clients in East London.
• Represented a new upmarket corner shop concept on their rapid roll-out.
• Obtained a premises licence for an axe-throwing venture despite high-profile opposition.
• Licensed the UK division of a large group of Spanish jamon shops.
• Applied for new licences for the world renowned Hurlingham Club.
• Represented local residents objecting to a Richmond hotel extending its licence.
• Acted for The Other House, a new hotel/serviced apartment concept in South Kensington, obtaining its first premises licence.
• Acted for Hotel Meudon, the latest luxury boutique hotel in Cornwall, in respect of its redevelopment.
• Assisted with the attempted acquisition of a large UK casino operator by an EU operator.
• Acted in applications for premises licences, defended review applications, assisted with corporate transactions and provided legal opinions.
• Advised hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and bars on premises licensing.
• Advised a nightclub in connection with a potential breach of its licence.

• Successfully defended a review of the premises licence for a flagship Camden pub (located within Camden’s Cumulative Impact Zone) to retain the 2am licence after the Metropolitan Police had sought to reduce the hours to 11:30pm.
• Dealt with all aspects of licensing work for a leading UK pub operator with approximately 1,800 premises.

We assist buyers, sellers, lenders and funds in mergers and acquisitions, refinancing and capital raising in the hospitality sector. With deep industry knowledge, we guide clients through due diligence, share purchase agreements, earn-outs, debt structuring, and fund formations, delivering seamless transactions, from boutique deals to portfolio acquisitions.

• Acted for McDonald’s Restaurant Operations Inc. in its first UK acquisition of Café Aroma Limited.
• Acted for Caffe Nero in its financings and acquisition of the Aroma chain from McDonald’s.
• Acted for the shareholders in the disposal of Holroyd Howe Limited (contract catering) to Baxter Storey and in the related financing arrangements.
• Acted for Greene King on various transactions including the acquisition of Loch Fyne restaurants.
• Advised a high-net-worth client on the acquisition and shareholders’ agreement for a central London restaurant.
• Acted on the acquisition of a 4-star hotel from Starwood Capital.
• Acted for a high-net-worth hotel operator on the acquisition of a franchised international airport hotel in the UK.
• Acted for an overseas multiple hotel operator on the acquisition and finance of its first hotel in the UK.
• Advised on the reorganisation and refinance of a £25m portfolio of hotels.
• Advised on the relocation of one of the largest nightclubs in London.
• Acted on the disposal of the shares in a franchised international airport hotel in the UK for circa £30m.
• Completed an asset sale of a substantial spa hotel for over £8m within 30 days.
• Completed the purchase of two hotels by way of separate asset purchases for a multiple hotel operator, each for a sum in excess of £2.5m, one with provision for a vendor loan.

• Advised Scandic on the development agreement for Jamie’s Italian in the Nordics, and subsequent termination and also advised them on the acquisition of a hotel portfolio operated by IHG.
• Advised Oxygen Freejumping on venture capital fund raising to grow its UK trampoline park business.
• Acted on the purchase of an individual hotel valued in excess of £200 million.
• Advised on the purchase of a hotel in central London.
• Advised Conduit Investments on its acquisition of Fantasy Island theme park, Skegness.
• Advised a Jersey investment fund on the acquisition and subsequent disposal of 37 Thistle Hotels.

• Acted for a property client on a joint venture to develop and operate a hotel in Central London.
• Acted for a US investor on establishing an LLP to develop a hotel and members’ club in London.
• Acted for a North American travel booking app and online travel marketplace company, Hopper Inc, on a various matters.

• Advised Ten Entertainment Group plc (FTSE) on its acquisition of tenpin bowling businesses and commercial contracts.
• Advised The Gym Group plc (FTSE) in relation to the acquisition of gym businesses and regulatory matters.
• Advised Orange Theory Fitness on its acquisition of gym studios from David Lloyd Leisure.

• Acted on a share and asset restructure of a portfolio of 10+ pubs for a multiple operator, and worked closely with Counsel and accountants to implement their tax strategy.
• Acted for a number of private multiple licensed leisure operators on the acquisition, disposal and letting of various pubs.
• Acted on the purchase of a much sought-after boutique Grade II listed hotel in Norfolk.
• Acted for a major European airline in acquiring their first of a chain of hotels in the UK.
• Dealing with the acquisition of a substantial hotel with a vendor loan LMA security, refinancing the property and discharging the security.

Advising on planning requires a deep understanding of the hotels, hospitality and leisure industry’s interplay with land use, policy and infrastructure. Our team works swiftly to assess site feasibility, managing change-of-use consents (such as office-to-hotel conversions), navigating permitted development rights and negotiating S106/CIL contributions. We partner with local authorities early, secure robust planning permissions, even for listed or repurposed buildings, and mitigate planning-related risk to ensure development timelines and investment are protected.

• Appeared as advocate at a public inquiry on behalf of the private owner of a leading hotel in Monmouthshire, successfully resisting plans for a major housing development by a leading national housebuilder on a site close to the hotel, in the Green Belt, which had threatened the client’s business.
• Advised a private owner in respect of the initial development plans for the creation of an award-winning luxury spa hotel in the UK (Calcot Manor Hotel situated in the Cotswolds). This included advising on listed building controls, planning procedures and legal agreements.
• Advised a hotel owner on successfully resisting a judicial review challenge brought by neighbouring landowners to the grant of planning permission relating to a planned major expansion of the existing hotel premises and business operation.
• Acted in respect of the development of various hotels (including applications for planning permission).
• Advised this client on a new sports bar and restaurant in a new development. Advice provided on planning, licensing, commercial property and constructions issues associated with taking space in this landmark new development.
• Acted for a client in an agreement for lease and lease negotiation at a shopping centre in central London. Further advice provided on planning and licensing conditionality, core commercial property in connection with the new lease, and the associated supplemental documents.

• Acted for Delfont Mackintosh in connection with planning due diligence on the purchase of the Victoria Palace Theatre.
• Advised Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in connection with the development of a players’ lodge in the Green Belt in Enfield.
• Represented the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street.
• Negotiated a Section 106 Agreement in connection with the redevelopment of Berners Hotel, London.
• Advised an aviation charity client on proposals for development of a new aviation museum in Surrey.
• Advised an international investor on proposals for development of a mixed-use cinema and residential scheme in East London.
• Acted for a modern diversified estate on issues associated with expansion of hotel, gardens and visitor attractions in Somerset.

We have a team of data protection experts dedicated to advising on privacy and data protection compliance across guest, employee and CRM data. We structure GDPR‑compliant data flows, policies, audits and breach response plans, enabling seamless digital experiences while protecting data assets and reputations.

• Advised Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays on GDPR implementation and ongoing GDPR compliance activities.
• Advised on a data protection matter for a Korean leisure company.
• Advised Pizza Hut on launch of its online ordering site which included website terms and conditions, privacy policy, systems development contracts, and website health check.
• Advised on disability discrimination laws affecting websites.

Our specialist lawyers advise on public and employer liability claims, assisting hospitality clients with guest and staff injury cases, insurance coverage, incident investigations and settlements. Our pragmatic, commercial approach ensures that client interests are protected in both competitive and commercial claims contexts.

• Handled individual and group claims relating to food safety issues involving international hotels and cruise lines.
• Advised central London hospitality venues on access issues and discrimination claims.
• Acted for hospitality venues on health and safety claims, including in relation to an incident involving the death of a patron.
• Defended a claim for a private members club for unfair dismissal involving a preliminary finding as to whether a lap dancer was employed or self-employed.
• Defended multiple claims for unfair dismissal for an online cross-border adult entertainment site involving different jurisdictions and employment status issues.
• Successfully pursued a professional negligence claim in respect of advice given by an insolvency practitioner to a chain of pubs.

Our restructuring and insolvency lawyers support clients through restructuring and insolvency processes, helping to navigating distressed hotel, leisure and restaurant businesses. With a calm, commercial approach, we help clients navigate high-pressure situations and protect their legal and commercial interests from the outset.

• Successfully pursued a professional negligence claim in respect of advice given by an insolvency practitioner to a chain of pubs.
• Advised a property developer on issues relating to the project fallout following the main contractor’s insolvency on a large hotel and restaurant project, including dealing with termination as well as Bond, consultancy issues, and damages.
• Acted for the funder in a dispute between the funder and developer of a central London hotel where the main contractor suddenly became insolvent.
• Acted on a share and asset restructure of a portfolio of 10+ pubs for a multiple operator, worked closely with Counsel and accountants to implement their tax strategy.
• Advised a multi-site pub chain on their insolvency options in advance of a pre-pack administration to include liaising with the appointment of a suitable insolvency practitioner.
• Acted on behalf of a boutique Northern Irish hotel in respect of the administration of its gym tenant and provided insolvency advice in respect of the proposed licence to assign and continuation of business by the incoming purchaser.

With expert knowledge on all aspects of onshore and offshore tax restructuring, we support hotel and leisure groups in creating tax‑efficient ownership structures, optimising VAT and transfer pricing, and enhancing post‑transaction performance, all tailored to both domestic and cross‑border regulatory regimes.

• Acted on a share and asset restructure of a portfolio of 10+ pubs for a multiple operator, worked closely with Counsel and accountants to implement their tax strategy.