The Apartment Group rescues Percy Arms from administration
The new owner of a Northumberland hotel, which closed after going into administration in 2012, intends to reopen the property as a "spectacular" wedding venue and village pub.
The 27-bedroom hotel was previously owned by Clive and Alice Emerson for 25 years until it was taken over by the administrators, Begbies Traynor.
"We are going to create somewhere unique but with real rustic charm and we are sure everyone will be excited when they see the fantastic plans we have," said Fisher.
"We know a lot of people in the immediate area were very upset when the hotel closed so hopefully the fact we are going to turn it into a really spectacular location will show our continued commitment to Northumberland."
Around 50 jobs will be created at the new business, with vacancies, said Fisher, available for "people in their teens up to their 70s".
The sale of the hotel, which dates back to the 17th century, was handled by Christie + Co. Mark Worley, director of the property company, said despite extensive interest in the Percy Arms, many potential buyers had been put off by the scale of the work involved in upgrading the building.
"The Percy Arms is such an iconic building, which plays an important part in Otterburn," he said. "We are delighted that we have found a buyer who will not only restore and improve the building, but someone who will invest on such a scale and with such style and taste, that the village will once again have a venue to be proud of."
The Apartment Group's portfolio includes the Joiners Arms pub and inn in Newton-by-the-Sea, Northumberland; Nancy's Bordello bar and restaurant in Newcastle; and Liberty Brown pizza restaurant in Sunderland.
NRB Top 50 for 2015 revealed >>
Latest video from The Caterer