Bowland Inns and Hotels acquires first post-pandemic site

Bowland Inns and Hotels has acquired its first new site since before the pandemic as part of a ‘much-delayed' expansion plan.

The company, which is behind Bowland Brewery and the James' Places hospitality collection in Lancashire, Cumbria, and Yorkshire, has taken on the Assheton Arms in Downham in the Ribble Valley.

The country inn will reopen in February 2023 after an 18-month closure following repairs to its 12 letting rooms and a refresh of the exterior and garden areas. It will be the tenth property in the James' Places collection, which includes the Emporium in Clitheroe and Mitton Hall in Whalley.

James Warburton, owner and chairman of Bowland Inns and Hotels, said: "The past couple of years have been unkind to many types of businesses but few more so than hospitality. It has to be said that it's been more than a bit grim, but with the support of our fantastic employees, our great suppliers and of course our wonderfully loyal customers we are delighted to have made it through.

"Bringing the Assheton Arms into the James' Places family is the first step of a much-delayed expansion plan. Hopefully there are one or two others that we can announce soon. There's no change of direction and no scaling up, just one or two pieces are falling into place. Great buildings, great locations that just need a bit of love and attention."

James' Place employs 450 people across its venues in the rural north-west of England.