Today’s news in brief – 22/5/24
The Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, located in Powys, Wales, has hit the market with a guide price of £7.5m. Boasting 52 bedrooms and extensive spa facilities, the hotel offers views due to its proximity to Coed y Brenin Forest Park and the Snowdonia National Park. Spanning 30 acres above Lake Vyrnwy, the property presents significant development potential. The hotel, owned and managed by the same family for 37 years, has undergone substantial upgrades and service expansions under their stewardship. Current owner Brian Bisiker expressed mixed emotions about the sale but believes it’s the right time for new ownership to further develop the business. He thanked the dedicated staff for their hard work over the years. Ed Bellfield from Christie and Co highlighted the hotel’s strong repeat patronage and high occupancy rates, emphasising its iconic location and the opportunity for further growth.
Bob W, a hospitality operator specialising in serviced apartments, has expanded its London presence with the opening of three new properties: Bob W Tower Hill Residences, Bob W Olympia, and Bob W Holland Park. This brings the total number of Bob W properties in London to 13, adding 20,000 square feet of serviced apartment space. The new properties include a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses with rooftop terraces. These locations feature Bob W’s signature technology, including digital front desks, self-service check-in, and 24-hour remote customer service. Co-founder and CEO Niko Karstikko noted the growing demand for personalised and sustainable serviced apartments in Europe, which Bob W aims to meet with their tech-driven hospitality model. The company now operates over 40 properties across Europe and plans further expansion.
SeaSpace has announced the launch of Cornwall’s first aparthotel in Newquay, scheduled to open in October 2024. The project involves transforming the former Sands Resort Hotel into a 56-unit aparthotel featuring studios and two or three-bedroom apartments. Each unit will be open-plan with a fully equipped kitchen, dining/work area, and lounge. The venue will also include communal spaces such as a café, deli, bar, and restaurant, along with a 19-metre Miami-style pool, children’s pool, and refurbished gym. Additionally, SeaSpace has partnered with UK Padel to introduce a five-court padel club on the site. CEO Ben Harper highlighted SeaSpace’s shift from traditional hotel models to prioritise freedom and community without compromising quality.
The Pig-and The Village Pub, formerly Barnsley House Hotel and The Boot, will reopen this summer after a restoration led by Judy and Robin Hutson, founders of the Pig hotels. The Village Pub, located in the Cotswold village of Barnsley, will welcome guests starting June 14. It features six bedrooms with traditional decor including low ceilings, oak beams, and multiple fireplaces. The pub menu offers hearty dishes like Jugged Beef and Carrot, Smoked Haddock Fish Cake, and Bangers and Mash, complemented by a selection of local ales, wines, and pub snacks. Judy Hutson, responsible for the design, emphasised the pub’s Dickensian feel enhanced by a moody colour palette and eclectic collectibles. The Pig-and The Village Pub aims to deliver a traditional yet unique pub experience.
