Campbell Gray to take over Dukes hotel

Luxury hotel group Campbell Gray Hotels is to take over the management of Dukes hotel in London's St James's, Caterer can reveal.

The property will be run in its existing form until the New Year, when it will undergo an extensive renovation and refurbishment programme of its 90 rooms and suites, public areas and technology under the direction of designer Mary Fox Linton.

Founder Gordon Campbell Gray said: "I am thrilled by this appointment. I am also very mindful of the history and style of Dukes and am looking forward to creating a hotel that is both original and exciting while not losing its great sense of tradition."

The deal is the first management contract for the group, which owns One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay in Antigua and is developing Le Gray in Beirut.

Campbell Gray said the group, which was created in 2003 as an ownership, creation, design and management company, was looking at several other projects. They include two sites in Morocco, a castle in Scotland and an eco-hotel on the Goodwood Estate in Sussex.

Bespoke buys Hallion Club

Bespoke Hotels has bought the Hallion Club in Edinburgh for an undisclosed sum.

The group will take over the 1,200-membership club tomorrow (29 September), rebranding the property as Home House Edinburgh to complement its existing club
in London's Portman Square.

The Hallion, a Georgian townhouse, has three bars, two restaurants, four bedrooms, private dining facilities and a spa. Bespoke plans to start a refurbishment programme in the New Year.

Bespoke Hotels chairman David Coubrough said: "Our strength is the Home House brand and we intend to develop this. We are already looking at sites within and outside the UK."

The group is also on the verge of signing a new management contract for the Lamphey Court Hotel in Pembrokeshire.

By Emily Manson

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