The Coaching Inn Group acquires hotel in Ledbury

Independent coaching inns operator, The Coaching Inn Group, has acquired The Feathers Hotel in Ledbury, Herefordshire, as part of its £50 million expansion programme.

Taking the Group to 14 properties and more than 400 rooms, the acquisition for an undisclosed sum, sees the Group on track to achieve a 25-strong portfolio of properties by the end of 2019.

Owned by the Elliston family for more than 40 years, the 21-bedroom Feathers Hotel is situated on the High Street in the heart of the busy market town of Ledbury and has operated as a hotel since 1564. The Tudor-era building retains much of its period charm, with each bedroom individually designed, a cosy brasserie with a hop clad ceiling and a restaurant which seats 60 and acts as an event space for the town.

The Coaching Inn Group is backed by BGF, the UK’s most active investor in growing businesses. BGF has invested £15m since March 2015 to support the Group’s expansion.

The Coaching Inn Group CEO, Kevin Charity, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired The Feathers Hotel. It’s a great example of the attributes we look for in our properties: a busy market town location and a business that appeals to local people as well as discerning visitors and tourists. The property also benefits from a passionate team and we look forward to welcoming them into the Group and supporting them with the excellent work they do.

“The past 12 months have seen us invest more than £4 million refurbishing our existing properties and this latest acquisition, part of our £50 million expansion plan, puts us on track to have 25 properties in the next two years.”

The Coaching Inn Group has 14 historic venues across the UK and has built a strong reputation in the industry for transforming the fortunes of traditional coaching inns in busy market towns.