The living turf floors will become de rigueur in a number of Crown Plaza hotels across the UK. It is hoped the wacky idea will inspire mental flights of fancy during normally dull conferences.

Angela Whitlock, author of Walk on the Grass, said: "Research has shown that by the age of 25, as much as 98% of our creativity has vanished.

"The look and feel of the grass is said to remind guests of their childhood and therefore free them of societal barriers that restrict creativity.

"Crowne Plaza's initiative is perfect because it breaks down the self-imposed rules that prevent us from achieving our full potential."

The grass-filled meeting rooms are being trialled at Crowne Plaza London Docklands, Crowne Plaza Glasgow and Crowne Plaza Dublin Northwood.

Eleanor Conroy from Crowne Plaza said: "Meetings should be productive and enjoyable but we all know from experience that some meetings can be less than inspiring."