6-Star hotel

Jul 2 2008

A Grade I-listed former bank HQ which provided the setting for a James Bond showdown is to be turned into London's first "six star" hotel.

City planners gave the go ahead for Russian tycoon Vladimir Chernukhin to convert Midland Bank's former base at 27-35 Poultry into an ultra-luxurious guest house.

Under the proposals, the Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed building will be turned into an 184-bedroom hotel, complete with bars, a health spa and private members club.