International law firm Taylor Wessing has advised client glh Hotels, the largest owner-operator hotel company in London, on a franchise agreement with Hard Rock International for a Hard Rock Hotel, Retail Store, Hard Rock Cafe and entertainment venue at the 900-room Cumberland Hotel.

The hotel that hosted guitar legend Jimi Hendrix a number of times, is operated by glh Hotels and located on Oxford Street opposite Marble Arch, London. It will be the first Hard Rock Hotel in the UK when conversion is completed in 2018.

“With Hard Rock’s proven track record of world-class service and hospitality, combined with glh Hotels’ extensive operating skills and expertise in the region as the largest hotel owner-operator in London, we are confident the future Hard Rock Hotel will be a success and we look forward to continuing to grow our collaboration” says Mike DeNoma, chief executive officer of glh Hotels.

The Taylor Wessing Hotels team was led by partner Richard Bursby and was supported by Senior Associate Edward Story.

Commenting on the transaction, Richard said “It was fantastic to work with the glh legal and commercial teams in this landmark agreement which secures an exciting future for this landmark asset. It’s great to welcome a leading hotel brand to the central London market through this agreement and we very much look forward to its success.”

Taylor Wessing has a wealth of experience in advising on hotel, restaurant and hospitality projects around the world. Expertise includes providing legal advice on management and franchise agreements; leases and hybrid leases; buying and selling businesses and portfolios; funds, structuring and investment; funding, construction, planning and development. Our highly experienced international team of lawyers drawn from across our offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia have a deep understanding of the hotel & leisure industry, its markets, brands and participants.