Mr Playground

WORDS: JOHN HARKIN

Waiting in the reception area of the plush Hilton hotel in Liverpool is an eye-opening experience in itself.  A string of famous faces lounge around the lobby, the Exchange restaurant is thriving with hungry clientele, whilst several business men and women have popped in to enjoy a quick coffee – I can only imagine how many people are still laid up in bed in the 215 air-conditioned guest rooms.

It’s not hard to see why this five star venue has been thriving ever since its official launch in January 2010.

Who would have thought?  A Hilton hotel on the cusp of one of the UK’s best shopping centres – in Liverpool!  The city has certainly come a long way since gaining the Capital of Culture crown.

My trip here is on a cold Wednesday morning.  Before I get to enjoy the first sip of my cappuccino, I am greeted by a young man dressed casually in a pair of jeans, jumper and scarf.  He greets me with a firm handshake and a wide smile – hard to believe this unassuming character is the Head of Business Development, Marketing and Design for a company worth an estimated £750 million.

“The Ability Group” are the brains behind Hilton Liverpool.  When others scoffed at the idea of bringing a luxury hotel to the city, the 24-year-old’s father Andreas realised an investment opportunity.

Six years ago George joined the Ability headquarters beside his father in the running of the property empire he created.

“I remember starting at 16,” recalls George.  “I was lucky as my father had the resources to provide me a great opportunity, but I needed to grab that opportunity with both hands.

“I had no idea about letting or renting properties so for the first few months I was learning the ropes.”

And learning the ropes was something that George was determined to do, thanks to the work ethic and discipline his father had drummed into him from a young age.

George, who was born and bred in London, says: “My father is an inspiration to me.  He worked incredibly hard to get into the position he in in and if he was going to let me get into the business, he made sure I had the same values and work ethic.

“You do not get anywhere in life unless you are determined and you work hard, my father taught me that and that simple lesson has kept me grounded and I will be forever grateful.”

The Ability Group soon threw over £500 million into a string of hotels across the UK including the Syon Park hotel and the first Waldorf Astoria outside the America’s.  They also own the Sicily Club Med - one of the biggest resorts in the world and hotels in Dunblane and Cambridge.  So far they have seven in all, with five managed by the Hilton, including Hilton Liverpool.

“I heard all the same whispers you always hear about Liverpool before we set up the Hilton.  Liverpool is not ready for a Hilton hotel.   You will not fill the rooms or get the rates.

“Outsiders underestimate the Liverpool people.  They are some of the most stylish people in the UK, the women are gorgeous and they want to enjoy affordable luxury.

“My father spotted the opportunity and I was determined to make it work.”

It seems his father’s vision was proved right – the Hilton Liverpool is worth an estimated £65 million and has smashed first year predictions, making it the most popular hotel in the city.

But not content with bringing the Hilton brand to the city, George has decided the time is right to bring a new venture to the local masses with his own idea– exclusive night spot Playground.

The idea was thought up in 2009.  Whilst entertaining guests from all over the country in Liverpool, George had set out to find a venue they could enjoy their night in luxury.

After a frustrating few hours of crawling around several city haunts, the group gave up and retired back to the Hilton hotel, having to cut their night short after the bar closed at 2am.

George says:  “I remember a group of us just being so frustrated that there was nowhere to go in Liverpool.

“The best place we managed to find was the Hilton hotel!  All I ever heard from my friends was; ‘I have just bought my partner a £2k coat and I have nowhere to take her in Liverpool to show it off.’  That was when the idea for Playground was born.”

And some idea it was – after two years of meticulous planning, Playground is set to open its doors in Dec 2011.  Local fashion designer Kirsty Doyle has designed the uniforms whilst interiors were done by the team behind London’s Whisky Mist.  Drinks range from around £10 a cocktail to £600 a bottle champagne, with membership costing a cool £500 per annum.

“I think by the response we have had in the launch events, the city of Liverpool is desperate for a place like Playground.  My vision is that young professionals - lawyers, bankers, doctors will be the standard clientele, but I don’t want to pigeon hole anyone.

“Playground is for anyone who wants to enjoy a good night out in luxury.  It doesn’t matter if you are a footballer, WAG, reality star – everyone will be considered.  It’s not about the stereotype when it comes to accepting people for membership, it is about the person and everyone will be considered individually.”

The Ability Group’s ambitious plans for the future are for George to be at the Helm of Playground developments worldwide.

We’re sure it won’t be long until the world is well and truly George Panayiotou’s Playground.

*Playground will open its doors on Dec 9^th 2011.