Magnificent seven for The Inn Collection Group with the Wordsworth Hotel acquisition

Visitors that float on high o’er vales and hills to Grasmere will be welcomed by The Inn Collection Group to the village centre in the future, as the Newcastle-based pubs with rooms operator become the owner of The Wordsworth Hotel, its seventh acquisition of the year. 

Located at the very heart of the village dubbed by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot man hath ever found”, ICG’s latest acquisition is a 38-room establishment with a rich history of its own. 

Inviting guests to rest and be thankful for almost 150 years since opening as The Rothay Hotel in 1874, the building was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Cadogan and has welcomed VIP guests throughout its years, including former US President Woodrow Wilson. 

Situated in its 2.5 acres grounds in the shadow of St Oswald’s church, The Wordsworth Hotel becomes the second property in ICG’s portfolio with a link to its namesake, with Helmsley’s The Black Swan having hosted the poet, his wife Mary and sister Dorothy in the early 1800s.  

It is also the group’s latest investment into the Grasmere area, joining existing property The Swan on Keswick Road and new staff accommodation facilities under construction for the group’s growing workforce in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Reacting to the completion of The Wordsworth Hotel acquisition, The Inn Collection Group managing director Sean Donkin said, “We are delighted to bring The Wordsworth into The Inn Collection Group. It is a prime site, and we are really excited to add it to our estate.  

“Grasmere is a beautiful village that enjoys a rich history through its connections with Wordsworth and the Heaton Cooper family and this acquisition lets us put down further roots in the community. 

“We appreciate the history and esteem The Wordsworth is held in and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests in such a honeypot location.” 

Continuing to grow with high quality acquisitions, The Wordsworth Hotel is the 34^th property to come under The Inn Collection Group banner. 

It joins fellow Cumbrian sites The Glenridding Hotel, The Regent Hotel and Ambleside Lake House, North Wales venues The Bull Inn at Beaumaris and The St Kilda Hotel in Llandudno and Harrogate’s St George Hotel in being added to the group’s portfolio in 2022. 

Edinburgh-based commercial law firm Burness Paull provided legal advice on the transaction, while Neil Hart at Newcastle-upon-Tyne based Bradley Hall advised on pre-acquisition diligence.   

Neil Hart, group CEO at Bradley Hall said: “We have a longstanding relationship with The Inn Collection Group and being able to offer them continuous support through their ever-expanding portfolio of hospitality venues is always a pleasure. 

“We are proud to be part of this extensive period of growth for the firm as they expand their footprint across the Lake District to include over ten sites. I am very much looking forward to continuing our partnership on upcoming projects.” 

Actively continuing to seek out new acquisition opportunities to grow its portfolio in the north of England and North Wales, The Inn Collection Group has a proven record of accomplishment in the hospitality sector.    

Previously named Best Pub Employer for two consecutive years in the national Publican Awards the company has a powerful reputation for its people commitment and career development opportunities alongside award-winning customer service and quality amenities.