Orient-Express sells stake in Harry’s Bar to Birley family

Orient-Express Hotels has sold its 49% stake in Harry’s Bar to its partner in the group Mark Birley, it was announced today.

Birley, also owner of Annabel’s Group, bought Orient- Express’s London interest in the group for $9.5m (£5.1m).

A joint statement said that the personal nature of the business meant Orient-Express felt that “ultimate ownership would be more appropriate in the hands of the Birley family than in Orient-Express hotels.”

The company added negotiations had been amicable and marked the end of a long and profitable relationship.

Harry’s Bar was established as a fine-dining private club in 1979, and quickly established a reputation for its north Italian food, as well as its exclusivity.

By Matthew Batham

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