Opening marks ‘start of new era’ for Wembley

The Hilton London Wembley officially opened its doors last night with a grand party celebrating the best of British.

Scottish dancers, a Welsh male vocal choir and morris dancers all entertained the crowds as a selection of treats from across the country were provided.

Ales from England were on offer along with Scottish whiskies, while sumptuous cheeses from Wales were on gladly gobbled up by those in attendance.

The hotel is one of the first businesses – along with T.G.I. Friday’s – to open in the Wembley City regeneration plans.

The plans aim to transform the area into one of the most thriving parts of the capital for sport, entertainment and architectural excellence, and the hotel opening marks a major milestone in the project.

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, said: “The Hilton Wembley signifies the start of a new era and it is going to help put Wembley back on the map.

“It will help give something positive to the rest of Brent and is something that the borough can be proud of and enjoy.

“This is part of a wider regeneration scheme which we hope will bring Wembley to the fore as a place where people want to come, enjoy themselves and ultimately boost the local economy.”

Jack Nicholas, general manager, Hilton London Wembley, said: “Hilton London Wembley is not only a landmark opening for Hilton Hotels & Resorts, but a significant addition for the new Wembley City.”

He added: “With its extensive facilities and iconic location, the hotel offers a unique platform for the conference and events market and will be instrumental in boosting the economic growth and regeneration of the area.”

Situated opposite Wembley Stadium, the 361-room hotel has been designed with the history of the area firmly in mind.

One feature is a two-floor wall depicting the greatest events in the history of Wembley Stadium while Union flag rugs adorn the ground floor lobby.

David Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited about this latest opening for Hilton Hotels & Resorts in London.

“This uniquely placed hotel couples a stylish and contemporary look, with a sense of quintessential Britishness in the hotel’s design.”

The Hilton London Wembley includes 18 suites, a 660-capacity ballroom, 10 meeting rooms, business centre, boardroom, executive lounge, 200 on-site parking spaces and a full-equipped LivingWell Health Club complete with 12-metre pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and 24-hour gym for hotel guests.

It also boasts a ninth floor roof bar, Sky Bar 9, which has an outdoor terrace for up to 150 people and is available for private hire.

Wembley City is one of the U.K.’s largest redevelopment schemes with over one million square feet of construction underway across the area.

Quintain, responsible for the regeneration, is transforming 85 acres of former exhibitions lands around Wembley Stadium, which will include a new 280,000 sq ft retail destination – The London Designer Outlet – offering high street and designer brands, as well as a dynamic restaurant and leisure scene.