MINE’S A FIVER

Big turnout for Radisson ‘auction’

Roll up, roll up, who will offer me several million pounds?

I guess Radisson Blu general manager Chris “don’t tell them your name” Pike could hardly get away without alluding to the ‘plight’ of Birmingham’s tallest building.

The occasion was the hotel’s sixth anniversary and they put on a party regardless.

So he cheekily called for bids!

For those not up with what is going on … the latest is that property agency GVA has been appointed to dispose of the 999 year lease on the hotel on Holloway Circus.

Administrators from KPMG are looking after the affairs of Beetham Hotels Birmingham, the firm which owns the 39-storey Beetham Tower.

The business, part of the Liverpool-based Beetham investment and development group, holds the lease to the Radisson Blu hotel which makes up part of Beetham Tower.

The administrative process is in respect of the financial obligations of the leasehold owner. It does not affect trading at the 211-bedroom hotel, which remains open for business. The hotel is operated under an international management agreement by Rezidor Hotel Group, using the Radisson Blu brand.

Er, so that’s clear, then.

The wrong type of clientele!

Quite a decent turnout by the troops all the same. Inman, Taylor, Hindo, Reeves – they were all there. Years of hard-nosed partying experience.

And all actually invited for once.

Lots of jolly decent fizz.

Then the hard core, good call, including legendary merrymaker Ben “give us a job” Browning, on a visit from his country seat, went round the corner to the Maharaja restaurant.

And soon after who walks in and sits down at a table for two but one-time couple Paul Farrow and Diane Benussi.

Is romance back on?

Apparently not.

Paul tells me: “Life is too short to fall out with people – Birmingham is a small place. We meet up from time to time and have great fun. But that’s it.”

Pity. Another good rumour quashed.

Oh well.

And sadly no sign of photographer to the stars, Tony Flanagan, a man who has spent more hours face down in Nat’s curries than anyone can remember.

Believed to be behaving himself at the moment. It can’t last.