So Robert De Niro has just been given the go-ahead to open his first hotel in London (his third after New York and the Philippines). Here's what you need to know about it.
- It's in Covent Garden - the new hotel will take over a triangular block between Wellington Street, Tavistock Street, Burleigh Street and Exeter Street. The address will give the hotel its name, the Wellington.
- Expect it to be pretty darned big - the plans submitted to Westminster promise 83 bedrooms, a luxury spa and swimming pool, two restaurants, a deli/café and a members’ club.
- The restaurant could have a named chef - in New York, De Niro's Greenwich Hotel features a well-reviewed restaurant Locanda Verde headed up by American chef Andrew Carmellini.
- There will be almost-alfresco dining opportunities - the hotel will focus around a central courtyard conservatory.
The Wellington is expected to open in 2019.
