​‘No pork or alcohol’: Top London hotel being run under Sharia law?

London’s Bermondsey Square Hotel has suddenly banned the sale of alcohol, and reportedly pork, “in accordance with Sharia law” under the orders of its new Middle-Eastern owner.

The Islamic rules were imposed on the hotel on Tuesday, the Daily Mail reported.

It is not just alcoholic drinks which have been banned, but also any food containing alcohol. Items such as beer-battered fish or rum ice cream cannot be served in the establishment since the new rules were implemented, the report says, citing staff members.

An IT consultant who regularly stays at the hotel – which costs £220 (US$345) per night – confirmed to the Daily Mail that the bar does not serve alcohol anymore.

“When I contacted the manager to ask why, he told me that the new owner wanted it to be a Sharia law hotel. Under Sharia law, you can’t make a profit from alcohol.”

Staff reportedly told the paper that waiters were forced to tell their guests that several menu items were no longer available. They do not, however, know the identity of the new owner, and the hotel's food is not Halal.

However, the hotel's menu and website have not yet been updated and it still boasts a bacon-laden breakfast with black pudding and the possibility of organizing champagne receptions.

It has also continued to post pictures of its cocktail bar.

However, a notice now reads: “We no longer sell alcoholic beverages at GB Grill & Bar – Please take a look at our comprehensive selection of soft drinks!”

“We don’t serve alcohol. The new investor doesn’t wish to make a profit with alcohol,” a staff member told the Independent.