The FINANCIAL -- The opening of the 85-bedroom luxury hotel Belgraves in London's Belgravia on 8 February marks the UK debt for US group, Thompson Hotels, according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

A joint venture with the Hong Kong-based Harilela Group, the hotel aims to combine New York attitude with traditional British hospitality. It includes the latest restaurant and bar openings from Mark Hix - the 80-seat Hix Belgravia, serving food inspired by the chef's world-wide travels, and Mark's Bar, adjacent to a cigar garden.

The hotel features a library in the lobby lounge, private dining or meeting space for up to 22 guests and a state-of-the-art gym.

The design by Tara Bernerd, of Tara Bernerd & Partners, is described as "today's rough luxury", with silver grey wooden floors in all bedrooms and a palette of greys and aubergine on the walls. Thompson's portfolio of hotels in the US includes 60 Thompson in New York, Sax Chicago and the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles.

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