Von Essen acquires Callow Hall hotel in Derbyshire

Luxury hotel group Von Essen has acquired Callow Hall in Derbyshire for an undisclosed sum, Caterersearch has learnt.

The 16-bedroom Callow Hall is set in 44 acres of private Derbyshire countryside and was a family run hotel with a two AA Rosette restaurant.

Previous owners Mr and Mrs Spencer are to retire but their son Anthony Spencer, who has been head chef since 1990, will continue in this role. Daughter Emma Spencer will continue to be involved front of house.

Chairman and founder of Von Essen hotels, Andrew Davis, said he was "delighted to have acquired a property with such a strong heritage".

He said: "Von Essen hotels' passion is to nurture all we inherit, and I am delighted that Anthony Spencer will continue as head chef, and we look forward to staying in close contact with Mr & Mrs Spencer - our new neighbours."

Von Essen hotels has grown rapidly in the UK, with its privately held collection now numbering 28 properties. Last year it reported profits of £6.1m.

The group which owns Seaham Hall in County Durham and the Royal Crescent hotel in Bath, will open a new build five-star heliport hotel in Battersea in summer 2009.

See Caterer's first instalment of the Battersea project here >>

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Von Essen buys Seaham Hall hotel and the Samling >>

Von Essen hotels completes latest hotel acquisition >>

By Gemma Sharkey

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