A Leeds hotel which is in the midst of a multi million pound makeover has seen a surge in interest in hosting events as lockdown restrictions ease.
The Queens Hotel Leeds, which is currently undergoing a £16 million refurbishment, has reported a 260% increase in event enquiries last month, with bookings up 103% compared to March 2020.
Live event and hospitality venues have been among the hardest hit businesses through the pandemic
A nationwide ban on large gatherings meant an immediate shutdown of all operations, with no indication when they might be able to resume for nearly a year.
With Boris Johnson’s roadmap now outlining a gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions, events industry workers are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.
In step three of the plan, set for no earlier than 17 May, some large events like conferences will be permitted, with limits on attendance.
Managers at The Queens Hotel Leeds say this upturn in confidence has been reflected in interest from new customers, with inquiries from everyone from charities to training companies and events ranging from gala dinners and launches to corporate conferences.
Sarah Harvey, Head of Event Sales and Business Development at QHotels, said: “It is widely reported that the pandemic has been dire for the events and hospitality industry but with a clear plan now in place for the gradual return of events, we’ve started to see a flurry of enquires.
“We predict this will continue to strengthen, with corporate customers keen to reinstate annual events as well as bring to life new ideas that have been born in lockdown.
“Since the government roadmap announcement, we have taken almost £600,000 in booking value for meetings, conferences and events, compared to £164,000 in February.
“Our enquiries were up 260% last month and with people keen to see the results of the huge transformation of the hotel this is only adding to the excitement of the return of events.
“This is a huge boost to The Queens Hotel, but also for the Leeds hospitality sector and the city in general.”
The full refurbishment will be unveiled this summer and includes a refresh and upgrade of all 15 meeting rooms including the restoration of hidden treasures such as original flooring. The hotel is also home to the 500 capacity Queens Ballroom, one of the city’s largest and most prestigious meeting and event spaces.
