Ahead of Hilton Worldwide’s 100th birthday in May 2019, Hilton London Bankside has amplified its community efforts, building on an extensive local programme of activity, to build recognition of the Hilton brand in the vibrant area of Bankside.
The hotel was recently presented with the Special Recognition Award from Living Bankside for its commitment to Bankside and the Borough Community following a series of community initiatives.
As part of an ongoing programme, the hotel’s staff volunteer at nearby Dragon Café – the UK’s first mental health café – serving food to customers every Monday. Dedicating time to this sort of activity allows the team to improve connections with the local community, as well as giving back to those in need – which is a vital part of the hotel’s ethos. The team also understand the importance of promoting care and maintenance of the environment within the Bankside area. Their contributions to Living Bankside’s planting efforts have helped bring back vital foliage and greenery to the bustling, urban location; something that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Within the same programme, the hotel runs quarterly ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ events where local businesses and residents are invited to enjoy the hotel’s event and banqueting facilities for an evening of drinks and entertainment, in aid of encouraging community engagement and bringing members of the neighbourhood together.
The hotel is also taking big strides to amplify community efforts with projects, working closely with local businesses to encourage visitors to explore the Bankside area. This year’s ‘Fox Marks the Spot’ consisted of an urban design trail designed to celebrate the unique diversity of the Bankside area. The scheme was brought to life with the help of local businesses including Alex Monroe, Tibits and The Table Café for visitors to trace a series of bespoke designed foxes, which were scattered throughout the vibrant neighbourhood – creating a fun visitor trail. This family-friendly project allowed small local businesses to get involved and exhibit their skills and products.
The extensive local programme aligns with the 100th anniversary of Hilton Hotels, whose founder Sir Conrad Hilton has sought to revolutionise the travel experience for his customers by bolstering local community projects. Hilton London Bankside is a key example of this conscious effort for change and improvement.
