Thwaites buys first Inns of Character in south

04 April 2011 by
Thwaites buys first Inns of Character in south

Brewer Daniel Thwaites is to boost its new Inns of Character portfolio with the acquisition of the 28-bedroom Fleece hotel in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

Following an extensive refurbishment, the property will reopen in the summer as the sixth Inns of Character which Thwaites launched in February as a brand with an emphasis on high levels of hospitality, good-quality food and a wide range of cask ales and fine wines.

The Fleece, which has a 40-seat restaurant and 40-seat bistro in addition to the main bar, marks the first property within the brand outside of the north-west of England, where Thwaites is based. It will join five other Inns of Character, including The Lion at Settle, North Yorkshire, which opened its doors last week following a refit.

Antony Spencer, managing director of Shire Hotels, Thwaites' four-star brand, said the Fleece provided everything he looks for in Inns of Character. "It's a great, historic building in a fantastic tourist spot and it expands our collection across a wider area which is part of the plan to create a national portfolio.

"We will now give the Fleece a new lease of life while staying true to its architectural and historic roots."

Thwaites aims to have 25 Inns of Character by 2016.

Daniel Thwaites launches Inns of Character >>

Thwaites on the lookout for more acquisitions >>

Shire Hotels profile >>

By Janet Harmer

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