Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The South West’s independent brewery and pub company, St Austell Brewery, has acquired The Wellington Hotel in Boscastle, North Cornwall for an undisclosed amount.
The Wellington Hotel is a historic coaching inn located in the village of Boscastle overlooking the harbour. The property is said to date back to the 16th century and currently houses 14 bedrooms, three aparthotel suites, a pub, and a restaurant.
It is reported that the acquisition is the first in over two years for St Austell Brewery, which recently also announced a “strong” recovery and return to profitability in 2021, despite all its sites being closed for the first four months of the year due to lockdown.
The company now owns 175 pubs, inns and hotels across the West Country including 39 managed sites, as well as a portfolio of tenanted and leased properties.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “Located right on the coast, it’s a family-friendly destination with great views, a pub, a restaurant, and overnight accommodation, making it popular with both locals and visitors. It fits perfectly with our current managed estate and the variety of guest experiences we always look to offer.
“This is our first acquisition in over two years, so it’s an exciting time for the business and a milestone moment in the strong recovery we’ve continued to make since the pandemic. It also supports our plans to strengthen and grow our managed estate, across Cornwall and the wider South West, in the months and years ahead.”
Jonathan Scott, the previous owner of The Wellington Hotel, said: “St Austell Brewery is an independent local business with family values and great pubs and hotels, making it the most suitable guardian to take The Wellington into its next chapter. It’s really positive news for the future of the site, the team, and the Boscastle community.”
Stephen Champion, director of the South West hotels team in Christie and Co, who helped handle the sale,said: “We are delighted to have acted for St Austell in their first acquisition in over two years and look forward to contributing towards the further growth of the estate in the future. Buyer confidence in hospitality business remains high with prime tourist spots featuring high on many buyers wish lists.”
