Hotels row now in High Court

Two of the UK’s best-known businessmen have accused a property entrepreneur of trying to “tarnish” their reputations as a row over the control of three of London’s most famous hotels spilled into the High Court.

Sir David Barclay and his twin brother, Sir Frederick, denied Patrick McKillen’s allegations and said his complaints were designed to “embarrass” them.

All three were investors in Coroin, the company that owns Claridges, the Connaught and the Berkeley hotels, judge Mr Justice David Richards was told at a High Court hearing in London.

Mr McKillen had taken legal action against the brothers and claims “company affairs” were conducted in a “manner unfairly prejudicial to his interests”.