The Lucky Onion buys two new sites as it plans 2016 expansion
Cotswolds-based hotel and restaurant group Lucky Onion has bought two new sites to expand its portfolio in 2016.
In Cheltenham the business has bought a building adjoining No. 131 The Promenade (pictured), which will enable it to double the venue in size. The hotel will grow from 11 bedrooms to 22 while a florist, coffee shop and bakery will be added to the front of the building.
Other changes at No. 131 The Promenade will include the addition of a large communal sitting room, and doubling the number of covers in the restaurant to accommodate larger dining groups. Outside, an extended seating area will make space for an outdoor bar, fire pits and additional sofas.
Meanwhile, in the Cotswolds, the Lucky Onion has purchased the Wild Duck in the village of Ewen, Gloucestershire. The 16th century inn will close early in the new year for a full refurbishment and will reopen in late summer with 12 bedrooms, all individually designed by Georgie Pearman, who owns the Lucky Onion along with husband Sam.
The group has also made several new appointments to its team, including James de Jong, who will join the Tavern in Cheltenham after spending the last six years in London as head chef of the Draper's Arms, and more recently at Mission Wine Bar and Kitchen.
At No. 131 The Promenade Alan Gleeson will join as head chef from his previous position at Michelin Pub of the Year 2015, the Wild Rabbit, in nearby Kingham.
In addition to the Wild Duck and No. 131 The Promenade, the group includes boutique hotel No. 38 The Park in Cheltenham, as well as the Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach and Cotswold restaurants the Tavern and the Chequers.
