More than 7,500 hotel bedrooms opened in the first half of 2017, 40% up on last year, with much of the growth coming from Premier Inn which opened two new properties and a fifth hub.

Independently branded hotels also saw a wave of activity.

Nor did the number of new rooms impact revenue with RevPAR (rooms revenue per available room) up in all but two UK cities and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast up by double digits.

Russell Kett the chairman of HVS London, which helped compile the figures, said: “While there will always be a strong demand for branded hotels, we are certainly seeing a growing appetite amongst hotel guests, primarily those in London, for something a little different.

“Boutique hotels in quirky buildings with a strong stamp of personality and a more unusual proposition are becoming very fashionable amongst discerning customers.

“A recognised brand name is less important in London as it’s a strong market.

“The new, independent hotels emerging like the Hoxton benefit from their association with Soho House for their restaurants and bars; and The Ned benefits from its co-ownership by Soho House.

“This activity confirms that London is still a magnet for high-end global hotel brands and demonstrates that the hotel sector is adapting to customer demand and the need to stay ahead of the game by offering something on-trend and edgy.”