Whitbread targets the opening of 17 new Premier Inns

The UK’s largest hotel business is aiming to add more than 2,200 bedrooms across 17 locations under its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands.

The plans form part of Whitbread’s wider strategy to grow its network to 98,000 bedrooms by 2030.

James Hall, acquisitions and development manager at Whitbread, will lead the expansion in Outer London.

Mr Hall said: "Each of London’s boroughs has its own distinct personality and feel, so it’s no wonder that the capital’s appeal to our leisure and business customers extends beyond the city centre.

"With a strong track record of delivering a wide variety of London sites – from office-to-hotel conversions like Dorset House by the Southbank to innovative developments like the subterranean hub by Premier Inn at The Brunswick Centre – we’re flexible in the opportunities we’re seeking.

"I look forward to building on existing connections across London and creating new ones that capitalise on the fantastic opportunities for network growth.

"If you have a site or opportunity that could benefit from Whitbread’s investment, please get in touch."

Peckham Rye, Canada Water, Surrey Quays, and Acton are among the target areas for new hotels.

No new Premier Inns have opened in Outer London since 2022.

Whitbread is working with councils, developers, landowners, and investment agencies to identify potential sites for development.

Other target locations include Greenford Station, Stockwell Station, Streatham, Silvertown, and Stratford.

Site selection is based on customer demand data highlighting areas where guests want new Premier Inn rooms.

In 2024, Whitbread commissioned research from IPSOS and Turley Economics to better understand the economic impact of its hotels.

The findings showed that Premier Inn guests spend an average of £143 per bedroom per night in the surrounding community.

Spending was highest in city centre, inner London and central London locations, where guests take advantage of the proximity to eating, drinking and entertainment opportunities.

Whitbread currently operates more than 85,500 Premier Inn bedrooms across the UK and Ireland.

Its long-term goal is to reach 125,000 bedrooms.

Growth will come from a mix of new builds and extensions to existing hotels.

The current development pipeline includes 3,500 additional rooms through hotel extensions.

Mr Hall has a track record of delivering hotel projects across London, including conversions and complex developments.

He said: "we’re flexible in the opportunities we’re seeking."

The full list of Outer London target locations is:

Abbey Wood, Acton, Beckenham, Canada Water / Surrey Quays,

Clapham Junction, Finchley, Golders Green, Greenford Station,

Old Oak Common, Peckham Rye, Silvertown, Stratford / Hackney Wick,

Streatham, Twickenham, Walthamstow, West Hampstead, and Woodford Green.