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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on June 23, 2024
The historic Francis Hotel in Bath is set to embark on a significant £13 million refurbishment project. This transformation aims to revitalize the beloved landmark, blending its rich Georgian heritage with modern amenities. Ahead of this major overhaul, the hotel will auction all its current furniture, fixtures, and fittings on July 3, 2024.
The Francis Hotel holds a prominent place in Bath’s architectural history. As one of the first Georgian buildings in the city, it was once home to the 18th-century architect John Wood the Elder, who inspired the design of Queen Square, the Royal Crescent, and The Circus. Over the years, the hotel has remained a key part of Bath’s historical landscape.
The refurbishment, led by award-winning interior designers 3DReid, will honor the hotel’s Georgian roots while incorporating contemporary comforts. All 98 bedrooms and suites will be redesigned to reflect this blend of historical elegance and modern luxury. The ground floor and lobby will also undergo a complete reimagining, including the introduction of a cozy snug. This intimate space will be open to the public during the day and serve as a relaxing spot for hotel guests in the evening.
A highlight of the renovation is the introduction of a new destination restaurant, The Townhouse Brasserie. This restaurant will feature the finest British cuisine, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients cooked over an open hearth. The Townhouse Brasserie aims to provide a chic dining experience with a touch of timeless creativity, offering a sophisticated wine list and a memorable ambiance.
Towards the end of the refurbishment program, the hotel will unveil a brand new thermal spa and three treatment rooms. This addition is part of Bath’s broader ambition to become the UK’s leading city for wellness, providing guests with a luxurious and relaxing experience.
In preparation for the renovation, Pro Auction, specialist hospitality auctioneers, will handle the sale of the hotel's current furnishings. Items up for auction include four-poster beds, writing tables, seating, lamps, drapes, and artwork. Simon Rose of Pro Auction notes that the variety of well-maintained items will appeal to both hotel operators and private buyers.
The auction will take place at The Francis Hotel on July 3, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM. A preview of the available lots can be arranged by appointment on July 2. Catalogs for the auction can be downloaded at https://shorturl.at/nU6GH.
About the Sutton Hotel Collection
The Francis Hotel is part of the Sutton Hotel Collection, which also includes The Castle Hotel in Windsor and The Queens Hotel in Cheltenham. These properties are located in some of England's most picturesque and historic areas, offering a unique blend of heritage and modern hospitality.
This significant refurbishment of The Francis Hotel marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic Bath landmark, promising to enhance its charm and appeal for future generations.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 16, 2026
Italian luxury furniture brand Poltrona Frau has unveiled Infinitamente 2.0, a new sculptural dining table designed by Roberto Lazzeroni, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the Infinito family. The latest creation was presented during Milan Design Week 2026 and joins the brand’s permanent collection following the limited-edition Infinito table launched in 2021 and the Infinitamente table introduced in 2023.
Designed as an expression of timeless elegance and Italian craftsmanship, Infinitamente 2.0 expands the original concept into an extra-large dining table measuring over three metres in length and capable of seating up to twelve guests. The design continues Poltrona Frau’s philosophy of creating furniture pieces that transcend trends and become part of personal stories, memories, and everyday experiences.
At the centre of the design is a distinctive staggered double-oval marble top, inspired by the symbolism of infinity and the complementary balance of Yin and Yang. The sculptural form represents harmony, continuity, and connection, making the table a statement piece designed for contemporary spaces focused on gathering and shared experiences.
The table’s two helicoidal bases feature softly chamfered surfaces upholstered in Pelle Frau® ColorSphere® Impact Less leather, showcasing Poltrona Frau’s renowned craftsmanship. The leather application technique draws inspiration from luxury automotive interiors, reflecting the brand’s expertise in combining traditional artisan skills with advanced manufacturing processes.
Infinitamente 2.0 offers a wide range of marble options, including Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Arabescato Venato, and Ombra di Caravaggio, available in polished, semi-polished, and naturally polished finishes. Each marble top is crafted from a single slab divided into two sections and reinforced with technical mesh to improve resistance against bending, breakage, and impact.
A stainless steel blade insert elegantly completes the connection between the two marble sections, adding both structural strength and visual refinement. The different surface treatments enhance the natural character of the stone while improving durability and resistance for everyday use.
The table base is constructed using MDF and birch plywood components, with internal beech pins and metal plates ensuring stability and strength. The leather-covered supports create a contrast between the natural richness of marble and the warmth of handcrafted upholstery.
Infinitamente 2.0 represents the continuation of Roberto Lazzeroni’s exploration of sculptural furniture design. The original Infinito table, presented in 2021 as a numbered limited edition, featured an exclusive Rosso Lepanto marble top sourced by Poltrona Frau and positioned as a collectible objet d’art. The 2023 Infinitamente edition further developed the concept with a white Versilia marble top and multiple size variations.
With the new Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau transforms the artistic vision into a permanent collection piece designed for luxury residences, hospitality environments, and sophisticated interiors worldwide.
The table debuted exclusively on April 14, 2026, at the Poltrona Frau flagship store on Via Manzoni 30 in Milan during Milano Design Week. It will subsequently become available through selected Poltrona Frau stores globally and the brand’s European e-commerce platforms.
Part of Haworth Lifestyle, Poltrona Frau continues to represent the intersection of Italian design heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury. Founded in 1912, the brand has built a global reputation for premium furnishings, leather craftsmanship, custom interiors, and collaborations with leading international designers.
Through Infinitamente 2.0, Poltrona Frau reinforces its commitment to creating enduring design pieces that celebrate material innovation, artistic expression, and the timeless value of handcrafted luxury.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Spain secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the second semifinal played on Tuesday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute, while Pedro Porro added the second goal in the 58th minute, sealing a confident win for La Roja.
With the victory, Spain also created FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first team to keep six clean sheets in a single edition of the tournament. The result sends Spain into the final, where they will face the winner of the semifinal between England and Argentina on July 19.
While the action on the pitch has captured global attention, discussions around the FIFA World Cup final have also centred on ticket pricing, particularly the premium hospitality packages.
For fans looking for the most exclusive experience at MetLife Stadium, FIFA is offering a pitch-side lounge hospitality package priced at USD 57,500 per person. The package has become one of the most talked-about hospitality offerings of the tournament.
FIFA has also released an additional batch of World Cup final tickets priced at USD 32,970 each, adding to the ongoing debate over affordability. Many supporters have expressed concerns that the pricing places the final beyond the reach of regular football fans.
Although premium hospitality experiences have long been a part of major sporting events, the pricing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final has sparked widespread discussion, with many questioning whether such packages are accessible even for dedicated supporters.
Published on July 14, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to create excitement both on and off the pitch, with Argentina and England securing important victories, while Australia's hospitality industry is witnessing a noticeable rise in consumer spending during the tournament.
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the next stage after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The match finished 1-1 at the end of regulation after Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead from a Lionel Messi assist before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the second half.
Argentina sealed the win in extra time with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Switzerland's challenge became tougher after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a VAR review.
In another fixture, England registered a 2-1 victory over Norway to continue its FIFA World Cup campaign.
Away from the action on the field, the tournament has also delivered a strong boost to Australia's hospitality sector. According to new insights from ANZ, Australians have spent more than $7 billion during the FIFA World Cup period so far, with increased spending across food, dining and entertainment categories.
The data shows spending on takeaway food rose 6.75%, while cafes and restaurants recorded a 5.5% increase. Spending at bars and hotels grew 5.2%, and purchases of sporting apparel increased 9.3%, highlighting the positive impact of the tournament on consumer activity.
The trend closely reflects the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup, when ANZ customers spent more than $11 billion, with notable growth across takeaway food, cafes and restaurants, sporting apparel, takeaway alcohol, and bars and hotels.
The findings suggest that major sporting events continue to influence consumer behaviour, even when matches are played overseas or during early morning hours.
Commenting on the trend, Joanna Gurry, Managing Director, Data & Analytics, ANZ, said:
“Whether Australians are gathering with friends at home, heading to their local pub to watch a match, or showing support through purchasing sporting merchandise, we're seeing spending patterns that seem to reflect the excitement and social connection major sporting events create.”
Although Australia's Socceroos have exited the tournament, hospitality venues continue to report strong customer turnout.
To support football fans, the Sydney City Council has declared the FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Sydney Marathon as special events, allowing eligible businesses to operate with extended trading hours. Non-licensed businesses can open early to serve fans during the remaining FIFA World Cup matches.
The extended trading schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, July 15: From 4:00 am
Thursday, July 16: From 4:00 am
Sunday, July 19: From 6:00 am
Monday, July 20: From 4:00 am
The latest figures highlight how global sporting events continue to benefit the hospitality sector by driving footfall, boosting food and beverage sales, and encouraging consumers to gather for shared match-day experiences.
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