The master bedroom in the Royal Suite . The walls are lined with the same silk that adorned the first- class dining room of RMS Titanic 1912 .
which provides training and holistic support for people overcoming challenges and provides a route into hospitality jobs . Launched six years ago , the school is now supporting and entering around 60 students a year into the industry , some joining the 185-strong team at The Goring .
Meanwhile , the current environment of lower occupancy levels , but higher average daily rates is a better business model considering staffing difficulties , explained Goring . “ Teams in London , as they are in the U . S ., are under pressure like never before , so no one would want to see us 100 % full and guests paying half price ,” he said . Current annual occupancy is around
75 %, with starting average daily rate at £ 900 during the busy summer season and £ 710 during January . This equates to an annual turnover figure of £ 17.5 million .
FORWARD MARCH Despite receiving entreaties to sell the hotel , Goring said he has no intention of entertaining the notion , concentrating instead on moving the hotel forward to ensure it retains its position as one of London ’ s leading hotels — a combination of English tradition and idiosyncrasy .
Immediately on the horizon is a new kitchen , to include a Chef ’ s Table in the center of the action , and a refurbishment
of the dining room by interior designer Russell Sage . “ Our brief to Russell was to think of how César Ritz would create a restaurant today ,” Goring said . “ It will be the embodiment of luxury , glamor and barely restrained bling .”
Once the new restaurant is launched in early 2024 , a new food and beverage concept will be unveiled for the bar and lounge .
The Goring has been a long family affair , but Goring can ’ t predict yet whether his children will follow him into the business . In the meantime , he is ensuring that the hotel will be in its most superlative state for when he does eventually let go .
THIS GOVERNMENT HAS DONE MORE DAMAGE TO HOSPITALITY THAN ANY OTHER EVENT DURING THE HOTEL ’ S 113-YEAR HISTORY AND I ’ M INCLUDING TWO WORLD WARS
– JEREMY GORING , CEO , THE GORING
Nov / Dec 2023 hotelsmag . com 51