INNSiDE by Meliá, part of Spain’s largest hotel group Meliá Hotels International, has agreed a strategic partnership with Italian chef Gino D’Acampo.

The hotel brand and Gino D’Acampo will work together to create a new standard for accessible, modern hospitality, curating a series of restaurants and bars.

The brand currently operates INNSiDE Manchester, with another property in Newcastle launching on the Quayside on 17 May, in line with the Government’s roadmap announcement, and its Liverpool outpost opening on 16 August, in the former Liverpool ECHO building.

The chef is seeking to raise the bar for new Italian dining, harnessing his extensive knowledge of artisan Italian suppliers to ensure guests enjoy the very best ingredients. Menus will only feature dishes created by Gino and his team from his award-winning books and TV shows.

The two leading lifestyle brands will reveal their first collaboration together at INNSiDE Manchester, launching First Street Bar & Kitchen, a new all-day concept.

The venue will feature an outdoor terrace, Spritz Bar and an open plan restaurant design. It represents the first of a number of planned openings with further announcements due over the coming weeks.

Commenting on the partnership, Garry Fortune, Cluster General Manager at Meliá Hotels International, said: “This is a very exciting time, as two lifestyle and destination hospitality brands come together to create a new presence in the UK.”

Continuing: “Gino D’Acampo is an obvious choice for us, due to its modern and stylish dining experience, and its successful internal operational structure. We will create unique experiences with Gino D’Acampo, creating a dining hotspot for locals, business and leisure travellers alike.”

Gino D’Acampo also said: “After many years of talking to Meliá about a partnership I am super excited to be working with Garry and the team. I want the restaurants to not only provide great Italian food to hotel guests but to be a destination for food lovers to hang out from morning until night in cool surroundings.”

Adding: “My team will be working in partnership with Meliá to deliver the highest standard of food service for guests, whether they are dining in my restaurant, attending a conference or celebrating a special occasion. I cannot wait to get started.”

INNSiDE by Meliá has hotels in 28 locations, spread across 10 countries with 13 additional properties in the pipeline. Upcoming openings include properties in Newcastle, Liverpool and Lisbon.