Trowers & Hamlins advises on Europe's leading new boutique hotel
Top 40 law firm Trowers & Hamlins advised on the acquisition and financing for the development of the 40 bedroom, luxury L'Oscar hotel being developed in a Grade II listed Baptist Church in London, which has now been has been awarded Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards (WTA).
The property, inspired by Oscar Wilde, is the first Jacques Garcia designed hotel in London and opened its doors in September 2018. The Grade II-listed building, a former headquarters of the Baptist church, has undergone a grand conversion into a new 39-bedroom hotel that has been "restored and re-imagined."
Trowers & Hamlins bought the SPV that owns L'Oscar, acting for the buyer, and refinanced it. L'Oscar received a £21m loan from OakNorth bank and a further £3m from RM Funds.
The World Travel Awards took place at a ceremony in Madeira on 8 June 2019. Established in 1993, the WTA distinguishes and rewards excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Winners are selected through an online poll involving consumers from the general public and thousands of professionals from the tourism and travel industry worldwide.
Partner Tony Poole led the Corporate team with assistance from senior associate Ayda Habboush and solicitor Saerim Kim. Tax and Intellectual Property advice was provided by partner Michael Surrey and Caroline Hayward respectively. Partner Yvette Bryan advised on Real Estate with assistance from solicitor Anthony Clarke. Banking and Finance advice was provided by Partner Sarah Gooden and senior associate Claire Ezekwe. The Construction team was led by partner Charles Morrish with assistance from senior associate James Huckstep.