Cairn Group acquires converted 11th century church bar
The Newcastle-based Cairn Group has acquired the Parish café-bar in York, located in a Grade II-listed converted 11th century church development.
Retaining all 17 staff, the hotel and bar operator plans to improve the site over the coming months, using funding from a £700,000 pot set aside for refurbishments to its growing portfolio of venues.
The Parish was formerly an arts centre, prior to its conversion to a public house.
The acquisition is the first standalone bar venture outside of its home region for the Cairn Group, which completed a £101m refinance deal earlier this year. In May the Company announced plans to put £50m of the funds raised towards an acquisition-focused growth and strengthening of its UK-wide portfolio, which includes 26 hotels and more than 30 bars and restaurants.
Over the past five years, the group has spent over £40m acquiring and improving assets. Its portfolio includes the four-AA-star, 39-bedroom Stoke Place hotel in Buckinghamshire and the 114-bedroom Ramada Glasgow Airport hotel.
Cairn Group director Naveen Handa said: "We're really excited to have secured this opportunity in York. The Parish is a truly stunning building with huge potential and our location is ideal for passing footfall.
"The team on-site are all staying on and we'll be introducing a training programme to formally bring them on board with Cairn Group. The bar will no doubt be a great asset for us and we're looking forward to getting involved in York's vibrant leisure scene."
Mincoffs Solicitors and HSBC supported Cairn Group on the acquisition of the Parish.
Cairn Group secures £101m refinance deal with HSBC >>
Stoke Place sold to Cairn Hotel Group >>
Cairn Group snaps up Ramada Glasgow Airport >>
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