London hotel ‘introduces Sharia law’
A trendy London hotel has caused controversy by ceasing to sell alcohol in its bar and restaurant after staff were allegedly told that the new owners want to run it ‘in accordance with Sharia law’.
The Bermondsey Square Hotel, once ranked as the fifth trendiest hotel in Europe by TripAdvisor, denied that it has also removed pork from the menu but general manager Robert Holland has announced menus will be changed in the new year.
A message on Bermondsey Square Hotel website points out that its GB Grill & Bar, which was previously run by Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace, will no longer service alcohol. Instead, it invites guests to look at its soft drinks menu.
The hotel has been run by Bespoke Hotels since 2009 but it changed hands on November 8. The new owner has not been named but it is understood to be a Middle Eastern businessman.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026