JD Wetherpoon to open historic properties as hotels with pubs

High-street pub operator JD Wetherspoon is re-opening two historic properties as hotels with pubs, following a £4.7m redevelopment.

The George hotel in Bewdley, Worcestershire, previously run by a private operator, was opened on 5 May following a £2.2m development of the 15th century building.

The 20-bedroom hotel will feature a ground floor bar and restaurant with a conservatory.

The Royal Hop Pole Hotel in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, which was also privately owned, is to re-open as a pub and 29-bedroom hotel on 12 May following a £2.5m redevelopment of the 14th century building.

The George will be managed by Jason Kelly and the Royal Hop Pole by Stuart and Linda Coxshall, with all three having previously managed Wetherspoon pubs for a number of years.

Both properties will specialise in cask-conditioned beers, serving up to eight at all times, including regional and microbrewers.

The company currently owns 12 other lodges around the UK.

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By Gemma Sharkey

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