Hotels & Hospitality
The Harold Benjamin team work across all aspects of the hotels and hospitality industry and advise a wide range of operators, owners and developers, as well as those who invest in the sector.
The hotel and hospitality industry is increasingly diverse and sophisticated, with new entrants to the market and much consolidation, especially post-Covid. The Harold Benjamin team work across all aspects of the industry and advise a wide range of operators, owners and developers, as well as those who invest in the sector, from hotels to restaurants, bars to nightclubs.
Our broad range of expertise across planning, construction and real estate is combined with our commercial, M&A and litigation experience gained within the hotel and hospitality sector, so there’s little we haven’t seen before. Our clients vary from single hotels or other venues to larger portfolios and chains. All benefit from our understanding of the sector and the breadth and depth of the team’s experience and expertise.
Our relevant services include:
• Acquisitions, sales and M&A
• Construction and development
• Planning
• Project financing
• Contracts and agreements
• Dispute resolution
• Licensing
Recent case studies
Building Safety Act
Advising a commercial tenant on the acquisition of a long leasehold interest in a mixed-use building, including detailed analysis of liabilities and protections arising under the Building Safety Act 2022. Advising purchasers and lenders on Building Safety Act compliance, remediation obligations and the impact of building safety risks on commercial property transactions.
Pre-Letting of New Build Commercial Unit to Blue-Chip Occupier
Acting for a developer in connection with the pre-letting of a new-build commercial unit to a national blue-chip occupier. The transaction involved negotiating a conditional agreement for lease linked to practical completion of the development and securing a long-term occupational commitment prior to completion of the scheme.
Disposal of High-Value Residential Property
Acted on the sale of a residential property for just under £8 million, managing a complex transaction involving overseas purchasers, strict exchange deadlines and multiple stakeholder interests.
Acquisition of £11.6 Million Retail Park
Advised a property investment company on the acquisition of a multi-let retail park valued at approximately £11.6 million. The transaction involved extensive due diligence across multiple occupational leases, title investigations, financing arrangements and asset management considerations.
Advising existing client on the purchase of 52 Princes Gate, London, SW7 2PG and lease back to Imperial College
The firm acted for a long-standing investor client on the £12.5 million acquisition of a freehold listed property in central London from Imperial College London, with Savills acting as selling agents. The team advised throughout a complex tender process, carried out extensive due diligence, and resolved issues relating to acquired rights and adverse possession. Despite the transaction’s value and complexity, it was completed within a demanding timetable, with exchange and completion taking place simultaneously. A leaseback to Imperial College was secured, generating annual rental income of £516,000 and delivering a successful long-term investment for the client.
Advising on the acquisition by way of pre-letting of a prime Central London flagship store for a luxury brand
We acted for a luxury brand in securing a new-build agreement for lease of a flagship 30,000 sq. ft. retail store on Bond Street. The transaction was completed on an accelerated timetable, reaching exchange within just seven days following the negotiation of key documents and due diligence on approximately 400 legal documents. Our role included coordinating multiple parties and professional advisers, conducting risk analysis and due diligence, negotiating transaction documents, and providing strategic legal advice. The matter involved a complex, high-value structure, tight deadlines, and cross-border elements. The successful outcome secured a rare opportunity for our client to occupy a prime Central London flagship store despite strong competition from rival luxury brands.
Advising on the Administration of an Insolvent Estate.
This was an unusual estate administration where liabilities exceeded assets, leaving no distribution available to beneficiaries. The entire estate was therefore administered for the benefit of creditors, requiring the application of insolvency principles under the Insolvency Act 1986. The firm effectively acted in a role similar to an insolvency practitioner, reviewing and prioritising claims from banks, HMRC, and family members to ensure correct legal ordering of payments. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework. A key issue involved a secured loan over the deceased’s property, repaid by a third party prior to sale. This raised complex equity considerations regarding subrogation and creditor status. The estate was successfully administered in full, with all debts resolved in accordance with the proper legal framework.
Acting for pub landlord in High Court appeal against refusal of opposition to new lease on redevelopment grounds
The landlord opposed a tenant’s request for a new lease of pub premises under ground (f) of section 30(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, relying on an intention to redevelop the property into residential flats and mews houses. To succeed, the landlord had to show that redevelopment works would begin within a reasonable time after termination of the tenancy. However, the proposed works were delayed by 10–14 months due to the need for site access to carry out tests for a planning application, which the tenant had refused. The trial judge initially considered this delay reasonable. On appeal, the High Court held that the landlord had not demonstrated a sufficiently prompt intention to commence works, finding 10–14 months too long. The case provides guidance that redevelopment opposition is difficult where further steps, such as planning permission, remain outstanding.
Insights
Ban on Upwards Only Rent Reviews
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Business - Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Lease Extensions
8 Sep 2026
Reforming Ground Rent – the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill
Lease Extensions, Real Estate
21 Apr 2026
Employment Law – Get ready for change
Employment
10 Mar 2026
The New Commonhold Regime – The Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill – Part 1
Lease Extensions, Real Estate
24 Feb 2026
Common Issues with Side Letters Between Landlord and Tenant
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate
30 Jun 2025
Landlord’s Intentions Triumph in Lease Renewal Dispute
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate
16 May 2025
Lasting Powers of Attorney – A Guide to an Attorney’s Duties
Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney
7 Mar 2025
Beneficial Ownership Disputes
Business Disputes, Business Law
21 Feb 2025
You are no longer safe using an SPV – beware of Building Liability Orders under the Building Safety Act!
Business Law, Corporate & Commercial
5 Feb 2025
Employment: A mixed bag for 2025
Employment
18 Jan 2025
Improving transparency: Changes at Companies House
Business Law, Corporate & Commercial
5 Jan 2025
Leasehold Reform – where are we now?
Real Estate
14 Nov 2024
Landlord Considerations for Tenant Alterations
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Commercial Real Estate
22 Oct 2024
Labour’s employment law plans hit the headlines
Employment
7 Oct 2024
Why Choosing a Regulated Legal Practice is Essential for Your Peace of Mind
Estate Planning, Private Clients
24 Sep 2024
The Role of Indemnity Policies in Secured Lending Transactions
Auctions & Investment Property Advisory, Construction, Development and Planning, Secured Lending
19 Sep 2024
Choosing and Protecting your Brand or Business Name
Intellectual Property
17 Sep 2024
Tipping Code of Practice
Employment, Hotels and Hospitality
22 Aug 2024
Labour’s Labour plans
Employment
23 Jul 2024
Emergency Update: Main Takeaways from the King’s Speech
Uncategorized
17 Jul 2024
Leasehold Reform is here (sort of) – the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
Real Estate, Residential Property
6 Jun 2024
Top 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Entering into a Lease for Your Restaurant
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Real Estate, Uncategorized
31 May 2024
Restaurants – Employment Issues
Employment
16 May 2024
The Post Office Scandal: Legal professional privilege in the Spotlight
Business Disputes, Dispute Resolution
2 May 2024
Protecting Your Business Name and Brand
Business Law, Intellectual Property
14 Mar 2024
Changes to holiday pay in 2024
Business Law, Employment
5 Mar 2024
Companies House: 4th March 2024 Upcoming Changes
Business Law
29 Feb 2024
How Japanese knotweed sparked a major shift in Property Litigation.
Commercial Landlord & Tenant, Dispute Resolution, Property Litigation, Real Estate
30 Jan 2024
Me too – the Government addresses sexual harassment in the workplace.
Employment, Uncategorized
28 Nov 2023
Section 5 Right of First Refusal Provisions in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987: Prosecution for Failing to Comply
Uncategorized
16 Nov 2023