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Lincoln hotel, The White Hart, has been acquired by Coleby-based chartered surveyor and businessman, Andrew Long, by way of an “off-market” transaction negotiated directly with Ambar Paul, principal of Contemporary Hotels.
Long’s company, Travel Sector Property Limited (TSPL), entered into a management agreement with Luxury Hotel Management Limited (LHM), owned by Nigel Chapman and colleagues, who are said to be “well-established and highly experienced” hoteliers.
Long is also a co-founder of the Extra Motorway Service Area Property Investment Group, where he continues to be CEO and an ongoing investor with some 40 years of property and operational experience in the hospitality and roadside sectors.
Previously, Long and his team also bought the Hotel Polurrian on The Lizard in Cornwall earlier in the year, the Polurrian being a 41-bedroom hotel and spa set in 12 acres of grounds with spectacular sea views along with ownership of the Polurrian Cove beach.
The current general manager of The White Hart Hotel, Ian Robinson, as well as all of the employees will reportedly be retained under the new ownership.
Long said: “We are delighted to have acquired this historic 50-bedroom hotel in its unique, uphill location. We are proud to own this property, located within the imposing presence of the iconic Lincoln Cathedral and a few steps away from the city’s Norman Castle.
“The White Hart first opened more than 600 years ago as a Coaching Inn and has been one of Lincoln’s premier hotels since being substantially rebuilt and extended in the early 1800s. We see the property as being an exceptional redevelopment opportunity. In particular, the garage and car parking areas at 2 Bailgate and off nearby St Paul’s Lane.”
He added: “The Eastgate Suite has a well-established reputation as a popular wedding and function venue, which also includes the former King Richard Restaurant. We are committing substantial resources to create a prestigious and welcoming upgraded hotel.
“Our intentions are to invest in an excellent restaurant, cocktail bar, function suite and leisure facilities, restoring the hotel to its rightful status as a premium leisure and business destination at the heart of Lincoln’s popular historic Uphill area.”
Ambar Paul, former owner, said: “We are pleased to have completed the transaction with Andrew and his companies, knowing he will successfully invest in the long term future of the hotel.”
Nigel Chapman, principal of LHM, added: “We are pleased to be working with Andrew, having got to know him and his professional team very well. Lincoln is a fantastic city and the White Hart Hotel occupies a unique location with strong trading attributes for leisure and business use, along with significantly enhanced food and beverage facilities to serve the local area.”
