Haselbury Mill, a historic venue dating back to William the Conqueror’s era, is up for sale. The property includes a hotel, pub, restaurant, and event spaces set in 14 acres of gardens with a river and lake. The business caters to weddings, events, meetings, and accommodations. Despite the current owners’ successful restoration efforts, they are selling due to health reasons, presenting a unique opportunity for a new owner to further develop the business. Kieran Twomey has been appointed as the regional head of operations for the Middle East, India, Indian Ocean, Europe, and the Americas for t ..read more

Family-owned Apex Hotels has completed the acquisition of Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire for an undisclosed sum. This is the group’s second rural property following the purchase of Pine Trees in July 2023 and is the 10th hotel within its UK wide portfolio. Meldrum House is a 51 bedroom four-star country house hotel comprising a 13th Century manor house and golf course, set in 250 acres of Aberdeenshire countryside. Privately owned by Aberdeenshire businessmen Bob Edwards, Terry and David Buchan, the hotel has won a range of prestigious awards including The Times ..read more

Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne in Somerset, a unique historical venue comprising a 21-room hotel, pub, restaurant, tithe barn and breathtaking wedding and event spaces, has officially hit the market. Boasting a rich history stretching back to the times of William the Conqueror and original buildings which are mentioned in the Domesday Book, Haselbury Mill is an asset of “great local interest”.  The estate is nestled amongst 14-acres of landscaped gardens and features a meandering river and tranquil lake. The business at Haselbury Mill is multifaceted, catering for weddings, events and meet ..read more

Aimbridge Hospitality has announced Greg Moundas has returned as chief legal officer, reassuming the role after a short stint away from the group.  As chief legal officer, Moundas will play a key role on the executive team, reporting directly to Aimbridge CEO Craig S. Smith, and will oversee legal, risk management, compliance, licensing, and contracts.  In addition to proven experience in these areas, he also brings a “profound understanding” of Aimbridge’s business model, its owners, and the industry at large, given he spent more than a decade at Aimbridge into the company , includi ..read more

Premier Inn has unveiled a new 120-bedroom hotel in Torquay Harbour. Built on part of an underused car park, Torbay Council appointed Willmott Dixon in November 2022 to complete the delivery of the development after unexpected external challenges, which included the Covid pandemic and the original contractor going into administration, delayed the original programme. The 120-bedroom, purpose-built hotel Premier Inn hotel, operated by Whitbread PLC is expected to attract thousands of guests each year and bring an anticipated £3m of tourism spend to the town. The new 120-bedroom Premier Inn featu ..read more

Shangri-La Group has appointed Kieran Twomey as its new regional head of operations for the Middle East, India, Indian Ocean, Europe, and the Americas (MEIA). Twomey’s journey with Shangri-La began in 1992, and over 25 years, he has held various leadership roles across the globe, including China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand. The Shangri-La Group recognises Kieran Twomey’s appointment as a pivotal step towards reinforcing its strategic objectives in the MEIA region. Twomey said: “I am delighted to rejoin the Shangri-La Group at such a dynamic time for the hospitality industry, especi ..read more

In the hotel industry, prospective property owners are faced with a myriad of lodging options to choose from and propose to their customer base. Each type of accommodation, whether it’s a chain hotel, resort, inn/bed and breakfast, or boutique hotel, presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages that hoteliers need to consider.  Furthermore, the geographical context adds another layer to this decision-making process. Understanding the unique opportunities and challenges presented by urban, rural, and coastal settings is therefore crucial for hoteliers to effectively manage their pr ..read more

The Thames Hotel, a historic establishment in Maidenhead, Berkshire, has been sold for £2.4m after nearly 30 years under the ownership of the Owen family. With 33 bedrooms, a popular bar and restaurant, and a scenic terrace overlooking the River Thames, the hotel has become a local favourite. The sale represents an opportunity for the new owners to inherit a successful business with a loyal customer base and a prime location. The Owen family expressed gratitude to their dedicated staff and wished the new owners success in their venture. Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park, a sustainable hotel projec ..read more

Classic British Hotels has added Oakley Hall, a luxury hotel in Basingstoke, as its newest member hotel, marking a significant expansion of the group’s portfolio. Situated in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, the hotel group said Oakley Hall Hotel “epitomises luxury, elegance, and unrivalled hospitality”. Surrounded by 315 acres of parkland, Oakley Hall Hotel features 50 luxurious bedrooms, Glasshouse Restaurant, 1795 Bar and Lounge and event spaces. Classic British Hotels said the grounds and event spaces make it an “ideal choice” for weddings, conferences, and celebrations. Phillp Alls ..read more

Hastings Hotels has completed a £15m renovation programme at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.  Over the past several years, the “extensive” renovation project saw upgrades to all 272 guest bedrooms, as well as improvements to The Lobby Bar, the Piano Restaurant, all conference rooms and the penthouse function room. Hastings has also introduced a brand new workspace area for guests.  Also included was the addition of a painting titled ‘The ’71’, crafted by local artist Colin Davidson.  According to the group, the renovation programme for the 1970s hotel “aimed not only to modernise i ..read more