Hotel and Leisure Lawyers

Hotel and leisure experience

I have advised hotels and restaurants since 1983, dealing with the sale and acquisition of businesses as going concerns, arranging the purchase and renewal of leases and working side by side with my clients through the many legal and commercial changes of the last 24 years.

Recent work

I recently secured the grant of two 25-year leases for a restaurant and club. The first five years of each being rent-free with an option to extend them to 125 years at a price equivalent to the rent which would have been payable during the first five years.

Why should clients choose you?

Having spent countless hours on ‘the front line’ with my clients, I believe I’ve developed a real understanding of their businesses, as well as the difficulties and daily frustrations they face. The success of these relationships, some of which span a quarter of a century, depend on listening carefully, putting my advice into their language and having a genuine interest in their business.

Challenges to meet

In terms of businesses within the industry, it’s always going to be competition – retaining or growing market share in a world of so much choice and variety. In terms of the industry as a whole, it must be over-regulation – keeping the entrepreneurial flame burning in the face of constant changes in the law.

Dream destination

I have to go for the south of France (with the occasional excursion to Monaco) – style and beauty just a few hours from home.

The place to stay

Hard to single one out, but here goes… the Four Seasons in Las Vegas is truly breathtaking and certainly the most luxurious hotel imaginable, where every request or whim is politely indulged. For foodies, the Oriental in Bangkok is wonderful – whether you go à la carte or, if you have the staying power, plump for the 15-course banquet on the opposite side of the river. For tradition, afternoon tea at the Plaza in New York is a must (as is our own Ritz on Piccadilly for that matter). For glamour, the Beverly Wilshire has it all – totally, unashamedly Hollywood.