Shepherd Neame buys Royal Wells hotel
Kent-based pub company and brewer Shepherd Neame has bought the Royal Wells hotel and the Beau Nash tavern, both in Tunbridge Wells, for an undisclosed sum.
The 23-bedroom, 18th-century hotel in Mount Ephraim has two restaurants, the Chalybeate and the Conservatory.
The hotel also has its own pub, the Beau Nash Tavern, which draws its inspiration from the 18th-century dandy Richard "Beau" Nash who as self-appointed Master of Ceremonies in Tunbridge Wells was responsible for the town's entertainments.
Queen Victoria made frequent visits to the hotel in the early part of the 19th century and later granted the use of her coat of arms, which is displayed at the top of the building.
The hotel offers an inclusive wedding package with a choice of three venues - the Ephraim Room, the Alexandra Room and the Conservatory.
Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame retail director, said: "We are delighted to have acquired the popular Royal Wells hotel, a building of great character and a fascinating history.
"We have a successful track record of developing premium hotels and the Royal Wells will make a fine addition to our estate."
By Neil Gerrard
E-mail your comments to Neil Gerrard here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs