In 1962, at the age of 14, George Neokleous arrived in London from Cyprus with a mere £6 in his pocket but a bucketful of ambition. Balancing night shifts in restaurants with daytime schooling, he inadvertently found himself venturing into the hotel industry in 1972. Over the next eight years, while raising three children and embracing fatherhood, George assumed the lease for 16 Norfolk Sq.

At the time, the building was in a state of disrepair featuring just one bathroom for 15 rooms. Undeterred by the challenges, George's tireless work ethic, determination and dedication to service led him to embrace multiple roles - chef in the morning, cleaner during the day, receptionist in the afternoon and business manager at night. This demanding routine continued relentlessly: 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

In 1986, with only three staff members and his industrious wife, Foulla, by his side, George expanded his enterprise to encompass Townhouses 18 and 20. Foulla readily embraced any task that needed attention, even stepping in as a nurturing figure for newly onboarded labourers who resided at the hotel on a weekly basis.

By 1993, the footprint of St. David's Hotels grew once again as the lease for Townhouse 14 was added to their domain. Today, George and Foulla’s children oversee the operation, infusing their unique mark onto the Grade II listed family hotel.

Read more about the history of our buildings and business here.