Tributes have been paid to legendary hotelier, George Goring, who died at the age of 81.
Mr Goring was the third generation of his family to run the five-star Goring Hotel in London’s Belgravia.
The iconic hotel was founded in 1910 by George’s grandfather Otto Richard Goring and boasted a bathroom for every bedroom and central heating, which was said to be a world first at the time.
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George Goring joined his father Otto Gustave Goring at the helm of the hotel in 1961 until he retired in 2005, passing the reins of the 69-bedroom property to his son Jeremy.
Speaking to The Caterer, Jeremy Goring said:
“George was a great hotelier in the old school style: a true host who exuded joie de vivre. Anybody who worked for him, was his guest or friend, would know about his extraordinary generosity.
“He shot neighbours’ dogs and burglar alarms, injured many crew mates on his boat Bugsy Malone, told his horse trainer he’d send the horse to the sausage factory, and often led cross country teammates into grievous harm. But all these people loved him nevertheless because the gain (in laughter) always outweighed the pain… just!
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“He gave up cross country racing aged 70, winning his last event then bowing out. Over the previous 40 years he had broken most of the bones in his body and given this lifestyle nobody ever thought he would be around long enough to have Parkinson’s. Despite this cruel disease he radiated wit, charm and laughter till the end.
“The lessons he left us were to love thy neighbour, and to live for today. RIP Admiral, and as George would say: Toujours L’attaque!”
Mr Goring was named Hotelier of the Year by The Caterer in 1990, and later the same year received an OBE for “services to the hotel industry”. He also received the Lifetime Achievement accolade at the AA Hospitality Awards 2010, recognising his “pursuit of perfection”.
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Managing director at the hotel, David Morgan-Hewitt posted on LinkedIn: “George was a true gentleman and a huge bundle of fun. He was hospitality personified. He cared deeply about his guests, his staff, his friends in the travel industry, his colleagues in the hotel industry and his family. Quite simply he was a legend amongst 20th century hoteliers. May he rest in peace and thank you for all you did for me personally. He will be missed by so many.”
Yesterday the flags at The Goring were at half mast in a ‘heartfelt show of respect’ for Mr Goring.
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