The Portland was the first followed by the Britannia. The conversion of Watts warehouse to the Britannia was extremely controversial at the time and planning permission was a long time in coming due to its listed status.
One of the partners in the project, Alex Langsam, took me up to the top of what was just a shell at one stage of the development when all work had ceased due to planning problems.
He jokingly said that I was to be the first council official he was going to throw off the top of the building, others would follow at intervals until full permissions were granted. When I pointed out that I was employed by the County and it was the City that dealt with planning he said he didn't care!!
Eventually the Britannia was completed but the construction inside the shell was complex due to the dozens of iron pillars which supported the floors and which had to be kept rather than replaced by more modern supports
Whilst the foyer and magnificent staircase were complemented by the stunning chandelier, many of the rooms were restricted due to the pillars and some have no external walls or ceiling, being entirely enclosed - though they are popular with long haul air crew.