Four Yorkshire hotels saved from administration will soon reopen, creating over 120 jobs

The Hotel St George in Harrogate, the Royal Hotel in Whitby and the New Southlands and Norbreck hotels, both in Scarborough, are set to reopen as part of the Coast & Country Hotel Collection, a newly formed collection of former Shearings Hotels.

Coast & Country said it will reinvigorate the hotels and showcase their amenities and wonderful locations, which is a key attraction of the properties in the Coast & Country portfolio.

All four hotels fell into administration in May 2020 as part of Shearings Hotels and it was feared they would remain closed indefinitely.

However, under new ownership and following a Hotel Management Agreement with Bespoke Hotels, the Royal Hotel opened briefly last year until the latest lockdown forced the doors to close again.

Now all four properties are set to reopen as lockdown eases, with an opening date set for May 17 for the Hotel St George, the New Southlands and the Royal Hotel Whitby in accordance with Government guidance. The Norbreck will reopen on June 1.

The four hotels are looking to recruit heavily within their local communities, with more than 120 jobs on offer across all four properties. Interested applicants should enquire about the positions available.

Paul FitzGerald, portfolio managing director at Coast & Country, said: “Given the enormous challenges of the last few months, we’re delighted to bring these properties back to market.

"Integral parts of North Yorkshire’s hotel offering, we know their initial closure was felt keenly amongst their respective communities.

"Now though, with reopening plans in place, we’re able to offer not just jobs and wider tourism opportunities, but hospitality services that people can engage with as restrictions lift.

“With the country having been unable to enjoy the delights of hospitality for so long, everyone is eager to enjoy themselves post lockdown, and as people are starting to realise these properties are reopening, we’re already seeing keen interest to book – something that bodes really well for their future success.”

Mr FitzGerald said the hotels will focus on attracting visitors seeking leisure breaks and will welcome local residents to sample the restaurants, bars, and wedding and event spaces on offer as the firm restores the hotels to their local hero status and develops a close bond with communities.

The other reopening hotels within the collection are spread across 33 well-established leisure destinations in England, Scotland and Wales and includes properties located in celebrated spots such as the Windermere Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, The Caledonian in Fort William, the Highlands and The Ship & Castle in St Mawes, Cornwall.

Many of the hotels are close to coastal or rural attractions and offer clients a base to visit established regional tourist attractions or take part in active outdoor pursuits, which are much in demand after months of lockdown.