Today’s news in brief – 22/3/24

Staybridge Suites Newcastle, situated in the Quayside area, is undergoing a £1.8m refurbishment, set to be completed by May 2024. With 108 suites being renovated, the project aims to enhance guest experience with modernised rooms. Partners Abrahams and Carlisle, along with ADS Design and Brand Development Ltd, are ensuring sustainability by repurposing original furniture locally. General manager Lisa Crocker expressed excitement, anticipating a warm reception for the revamped apartments. Meldrum House Country Hotel in Aberdeenshire has invested £500,000 to expand its kitchen, switching to energy-efficient induction units and creating designated preparation areas. Led by executive chef Alan Clarke, the team has introduced new menus, including a Tasting Menu and Sunday Brunch, promising innovative dishes while maintaining their commitment to local, seasonal produce. Clarke emphasises the opportunity for skill development among the staff. Coombe Abbey Hotel has been awarded the Gold award for Largest Hotel in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2024. Operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management, the 12th-century abbey was recognised for its warm service, support of local initiatives, and sustainability efforts. With picturesque gardens designed by Capability Brown, Coombe Abbey is celebrated as a sought-after wedding venue. Group operations director Ron Terry praised the dedicated staff and highlighted the hotel's reputation as a premier destination in the West Midlands. The Three Shires Inn in Ambleside, Cumbria, is up for sale at £2.1m, featuring 10 individually themed bedrooms and a traditional lounge with log-burning stoves. Owned by Anthony Guthrie and James Wilkinson since 2018, the inn offers potential for additional letting accommodation with its four-bedroom owners' quarters. Business agent Keith Stringer of Christie and Co highlighted the inn's profitability and its prime location, calling it a hospitality gem.