Newcastle "pub with rooms" company the Inn Collection Group has acquired a prominent Lake District hotel for its portfolio.
The growing hospitality firm has bought The Wordsworth Hotel in the centre of Grasmere village - a historic venue that has hosted the likes of US President Woodrow Wilson. As the seventh acquisition this year for the £24.7m turnover business, the undisclosed deal means there are now 34 venues run by the group.
The 38-room hotel was first opened almost 150 years ago as The Rothay Hotel having been originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Cadogan. It sits in 2.5 acres of grounds next to St Oswald's Church, in the village that William Wordsworth himself called "the loveliest spot man hath ever found".
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The Inn Collection Group managing director, Sean Donkin, said: “We are delighted to bring The Wordsworth into The Inn Collection Group. It is a prime site, and we are really excited to add it to our estate. Grasmere is a beautiful village that enjoys a rich history through its connections with Wordsworth and the Heaton Cooper family and this acquisition lets us put down further roots in the community.
"We appreciate the history and esteem The Wordsworth is held in and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in such a honeypot location."
The group already operates The Swan on Keswick Road, where it is building staff accommodation facilities. It is among other Cumbrian sites acquired this year, including The Glenridding Hotel, The Regent Hotel and Ambleside Lake House.
The firm says it is actively on the hunt for other venues to add to portfolio having recently reported growth despite the impact of Covid restrictions on its sector. North Wales venues The Bull Inn at Beaumaris and The St Kilda Hotel in Llandudno, and Harrogate’s St George Hotel, were also added to the group this year.
Edinburgh's Burness Paull provided legal advice on this latest transaction, while Neil Hart at Newcastle-based Bradley Hall advised on pre-acquisition diligence. Mr Hart, group CEO at Bradley Hall said: "We have a longstanding relationship with The Inn Collection Group and being able to offer them continuous support through their ever-expanding portfolio of hospitality venues is always a pleasure.
"We are proud to be part of this extensive period of growth for the firm as they expand their footprint across the Lake District to include over 10 sites. I am very much looking forward to continuing our partnership on upcoming projects."
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