Duncan Bannatyne purchases two Clarice House hotels

The former Dragons' Den star has taken on the country house hotels, which also offer a fitness club and spa, as a 'small local investment'.

The Bannatyne Group already owns a string of hotels, spas and health clubs across the country.

A spokesperson for the Bannatyne Group said: "This is a small local investment for an undisclosed sum.

"We are happy with the local management and the facilities will operate as normal.

"Terms and conditions of existing membership agreements will be honoured."

The Clarice House Group also manages a hotel and spa in Ipswich.

The Bannatyne Group includes the Charlton House Spa hotel in Somerset and Bannatyne branded hotels in Hastings, Darlington and Durham. The group also has more than 60 health clubs throughout the UK.

Duncan Bannatyne adds garden pavilion to Darlington hotel >>

Enter the Dragon - Duncan Bannatyne the hotelier >>

Duncan Bannatyne: We must take a stand against TripAdvisor hosting untrue reviews >>

Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

Latest video from The Caterer