London's Square Mile is undergoing a radical transformation as it sheds its image as a sterile hub of finance. A landmark Irish pub in the heart of the city, Feeney’s, is to be rebranded as a modern youth hostel, catering to tourists and visitors looking for more affordable accommodation options.
The plans, submitted by property firm Firethorn in collaboration with its hotel operating partner SW3, propose converting the existing pub and office spaces above it into a "contemporary tourist hotel and hostel accommodation". The new establishment will feature flexible room types, including private rooms, family rooms, and multi-occupancy options.
This conversion is just one of many recent developments in the Square Mile. In the past decade, over two dozen planning applications for hotels have been filed within the city, with a significant proportion involving 'change of use' proposals to convert commercial or office spaces. The Ned hotel and restaurant complex near the Bank of England is a prime example of such a transformation.
Firethorn has cited vacancies in some floors of the office building as a key factor behind the proposed conversion. Many of these spaces have reportedly gone unoccupied for over a year, despite reduced rent prices. The plans also include adding two extra stories to the building and reimagining the pub area as a bar alongside a new guest reception.
Architects working on the project envision a "creative, music-infused boutique hotel that feels social yet refined". This vision is reflective of the city's evolving identity as it adapts to changing demands and shifting occupancies. As office spaces are reimagined for alternative uses, property developers are exploring new ways to meet the needs of tourists and visitors.
The youth hostel will join a growing list of hotels in the area, many of which cater primarily to business travellers. This development is a significant step towards diversifying accommodation options in the Square Mile, making it more attractive to a broader range of visitors.