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The Crazy Bear collection of boutique hotels has announced executive director Richard Booth and managing director Tom Etridge have completed the successful buy-out of the business, concluding a transformative process that has “secured long-term capital to fuel the group’s ambitious growth plans”.
The group said it is embarking on an “exciting new chapter”, with plans to refurbish its rooms and introduce two new dining experiences.
In early 2025, the Stadhampton location will welcome Oak, a new British fine dining restaurant celebrating local and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, in spring 2025, the Beaconsfield hotel will introduce Bear by Carlo Scotto, a chef’s table experience offering a tasting menu focused on foraged ingredients and seasonal vegetables.
Scotto, known for his tenure at London’s Amethyst and Xier, returns to the UK restaurant scene to launch and oversee BEAR’s innovative and intimate dining concept.
Booth said: “It’s been a privilege to lead this process, and we’re excited about the opportunities a stable ownership structure and new funding unlocks for our business, our team, and our valued guests. We’re thrilled to be going into the new year with this process concluded, and we can now continue to make important strides towards our overall vision for the Crazy Bear.”
Etridge added: “We’re thrilled to have concluded this acquisition and are fully focused on continuing to deliver our ambitions for the Crazy Bear, as evidenced by recent announcements related to the appointment of Carlo Scotto at Beaconsfield. These proven culinary talents exemplify the strong aspirations we have for the group’s forward trajectory, and today’s announcement is yet another positive step on that journey.”
The group said these developments are part of a broader renovation strategy across both UK hotels, aiming to enhance guest experiences and reposition the business for future growth.
