Accor opens Flagship Ibis Blackfriars

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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HotelDesigns was delighted to be invited to the Opening of Accor’s flagship hotel for the rebranding of Ibis and the double opening with the Novotel London Blackfriars.

The hotels are well situated just yards from Southwark station and the Jubilee Line is fast and frequent. The Tate Modern and London Eye are close by and just across the river is St Pauls. The Shard is visible from the Novotel Executive room balconies.Commenting on progress in the UK , Thomas Dubaere MD of Accor UK and Ireland says
“We are delighted with the progress we have made in our ambitious brand revitalisation project in the UK…we are creating a new standard in the economy sector, designed to not only exceed our clients’ expectations ,but to deliver the best emotional and practical experience in the UK market. …this is evident in the new flagship Ibis Blackfriars”.

Lobbies, reception areas and bars at 50 Ibis Hotels worldwide have been revamped into contemporary living areas ‘brimming with designer class’. In the UK the first of these designs will be visible at the London hotels next year.

If this hotel is anything to go by they will achieve their intention. The public areas were extremely welcoming with the warm red on the chairs and subtle lighting creates an intimate atmosphere in this cosy corner.

The bar is in the centre of the foyer and provides a central meeting area and place to have a coffee should you not want a complete breakfast. Good as well for that drink after a long day on business or exploring London.

Fogg’s restaurant offers food from around the world and will double as the breakfast area with choice of seating for an all you can eat Buffet breakfast and light meals available around the clock.

The new ‘Sweetbed’ was proudly on display in the foyer although this will become a seating area in a relaxed library style space.

Bedrooms are functional and bright and I especially like the seating area by the telephone and shelf to put the kit you are charging with no danger of knocking it off the bedside table in the night. They are sound proof, air-conditioned and free WIFI is available.

I look forward to trying this out when we come do a full review next year.

©Words and Pictures Christine Brett for HotelDesigns

Daniel Fountain / 03.12.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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