It is a sign of the times, of an increasing number of people showing no tolerance to cruelty to any living creature. Yes, veganism is on the rise, and not just what is served on the plate but beyond. In response to the increasing tribe of vegans across the world, Hilton’s London Bankside Hotel has introduced a Vegan Suite, which is a first of its kind in the world anywhere. Won’t be long before the others catch up too, but Hilton has already made it to the history books.
Everything in the vegan hotel suite and the special vegan check-in is made of cruelty free material. So out with the leather and down feathers, which, until now were something to flaunt. But there is no compromise on the aesthetics or comfort. The leather is swapped with look-alike plant based leather called Pinatex by Bompas & Parr.
This is made from pineapple leaves, a by-product of the pineapple harvest. Pinatex textile is water resistant, strong, versatile, breathable, soft, light, flexible. Pinatex has replaced the leather on the check-in desk and the bed’s headboard. The down feather in the pillows is replaced with a variety of plant-based materials such as organic buckwheat husk pillow, a natural kapok pillow, a millet husk pillow, an orthopedic memory foam pillow made with bamboo fibre . There is an anti-allergy foam pillow made with 100 per cent recycled polyester. Even the keycard is made from Pinatex.
The 100 per cent sustainable and renewable Moso Bamboo is used for the stone-grey flooring, and the carpets are made of responsibly sourced organic cotton. The mini-bar and the menu card is all about vegan goodies and snacks and meals. Reportedly, the Vegan Society has given its approval to the Vegan Suite, so that’s an assurance.
