Top London hotel stops selling alcohol because 'owner does not want to make profit from it'

Management would not confirm whether move is linked to claims that the new owner is Muslim

Bermondsey Square Hotel has stopped serving alcohol in its bar (Google Maps)

Alcohol is no longer being served at the bar and grill of a top London hotel because its new owner 'doesn’t wish to make a profit from it', according to staff.

Management at The Bermondsey Square Hotel, location of axed Channel 4 show Hotel GB that starred Gordon Ramsay and Mary Portas, would not confirm reports claiming that the new owner is Muslim, and that this is the reason behind last week’s decision.

The move affects the GB Grill & Bar at the four-star boutique hotel, previously run by Masterchef judge Gregg Wallace as Gregg's Table which closed following slatings from food critics.

A statement on the 80-room hotel’s website confirms: "We no longer sell alcoholic beverages" and encourages a look at the hotel's "comprehensive selection of soft drinks".

The Independent contacted the hotel and was told by one staff member: "We don’t serve alcohol. The new investor doesn’t wish to make a profit with alcohol."

There has been speculation on websites linked to the Bermondsey area that the hotel could also stop serving pork, although this has yet to be confirmed.

One staff member said he had "no idea about it" while another said the hotel "aren’t sure for how long" they would go on selling pork. A spokeswoman said: "We change menus throughout our hotels all the time."

Currently the hotel, part of the Bespoke Hotel group, offers streaky bacon as part of its full English breakfast option as well as a variety of bacon baps.

A hog shank and pork belly sandwich are also on the lunch menu with a pork belly roast on offer at dinner.

Customers writing on community website London SE1 reacted with dismay at the decision to stop serving alcohol.

Gavin Smith said: “Sounds like they've alienated 99 per cent of their clientele. What a foolish business decision.” Maurits said: “I can't quite believe this. Sounds like an April Fools joke [sic].”

In a statement, general manager Robert Holland said: “Bermondsey Square Hotel is operated by Bespoke Hotels, as it has been since it opened in 2009.

"We have recently made decisions to change some elements of the business, as any business owner is entitled to do.

"These are in the best interests of the future of the hotel. We always have, and continue to, welcome guests of all shapes, sizes and denomination."

He added: "The hotel is privately owned and we do not discuss ownership of the properties Bespoke operates."