BH Group has acquired five properties from Coast and Country Hotels.
The deal includes the Windermere hotel in Cumbria, the Burlington hotel in Eastbourne, the Imperial hotel in Exmouth, and the St Ives Bay hotel and Ship & Castle hotel, both in Cornwall.
BH Group’s portfolio currently comprises the Swan in Newby Bridge, Hampton by Hilton Blackpool, two hotels in Manchester and three hotels in Falmouth, including St Michaels Resort.
James Routledge, chief information officer at BH Group, said: “These hotels form the basis of our drive into the growing staycation market. We are excited by these opportunities and others we are currently seeing in the market.”
Jeremy Jones, director and head of hotel brokerage at Christie & Co, who managed the sale, added: “This latest transaction takes us to a total of 31 successfully completed Coast and Country sales to a wide range of buyers. BH Group pursued these hotels with vigour and we are delighted to have reached this successful outcome. We know they have very exciting plans for these hotels.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Coast and Country hotel collection was previously run under management agreement by Bespoke Hotels and 18 of its sites were put up for sale in 2023.
In September last year, four of its hotels were sold to Bespoke Hotels.
The historic hotel was taken over by the Group in July this year as one of five former Coast and Country properties, and has now closed for a renovation.
Plans for the hotel, which dates back to 1847, include a new bar, lounge and restaurant, as well as the redesign of the 75 bedrooms.
A new spa, complete with spa garden, will also form part of the project as the new owners look to transform the business into a ‘premier destination’.
BH Group owns a portfolio of venues in Falmouth, Blackpool, and Manchester, including the luxury Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge, which was the winner of the Boutique Hotelier Best Spa 2025.
The Windermere Hotel will aim to reopen in early summer 2026.
James Houlston from BH Group said: “We love the Lake District, having invested heavily in the Swan Hotel and Spa five years ago.
“The Windermere Hotel is so iconic for the town and region, with lots of potential waiting to be fulfilled, so we are delighted to award the contract to Marshalls, one of the best contractors in this field, whom we have worked with for many years.”
The sale of the five Coast & Country Hotels – the Windermere Hotel in Cumbria, the Burlington Hotel in Eastbourne, the Imperial Hotel in Exmouth, and the St Ives Bay Hotel and Ship & Castle Hotel, both in Cornwall – was brokered by Christie & Co in July, which has completed the sale of 31 Coast & Country properties.
Coast & Country Hotel Collection was formerly part of Shearings Hotels and operated over 30 hotels nationwide.
In May 2020, Specialist Leisure Group (SLG), the parent company of Shearings, collapsed into administration due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the cessation of trading for hotels under the Coast & Country brand.
An early 17th-century hotel on the banks of the River Leven in Cumbria has undergone a stunning transformation.
A multi-million three-storey extension project at the Swan Hotel & Spa in Newby Bridge has created a new spa and 30 new rooms, including two luxurious suites.
The work, which began in December 2020, included installing the Lake District’s first spa garden with a Finnish sauna and plunge pool, a hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor jacuzzi and sustainable spa brands and treatments in six individual rooms.
CumbriaLive were invited to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony and take a first look inside the new facilities and tour the rooms, which are either river or mountain-facing and follow a blue or green colour theme, offering stunning views.
New cafe and deli SOUL has been introduced, with its own sun terrace and focuses on light, healthy food such as salads, seafood and soups while also including indulgent homemade cakes and desserts.
Ingredients are locally-sourced and fresh, fitting in with the overall theme of only using Lake District-produced or British products in the rooms and spa.
The hotel even has its own resident artist and illustrator, Olivia Axson, who has created artwork found throughout the hotel and adorning the walls in the rooms.
The extension has created 30 new jobs, while a team of 70 construction workers have contributed to completing the project, with the original hotel open as normal throughout.
A cluster of family cottages are also neatly tucked away in the grounds at the rear of the hotel, with dogs also welcome.
James Houlston, managing director of BH Group, who own the hotel, said: “We are delighted to be investing and bringing an ambitious vision to life at The Swan.
“The addition of 30 new bedrooms and a spectacular new spa will bring exciting new elements to the Lake District, as well as utilising local resources and generating jobs within the community. We can’t wait to show guests and locals the end result at a time when health and wellness has never been so important”.
The outdoor area of the spa is set to be completed by April, with construction delayed because of the recent storms and bad weather.
The 30 new rooms are fitted with the highest spec and completed by award-winning architects DLG with the interiors the result of Fiona Parke of Johnston Parke Interiors designs.
All are named after different trees and plants.
The colours are mainly calm and neutral, with blasts of bold and bright colours in the upholstery, curtains and accessories, offsetting the open brick walls and reclaimed barn wood beams.
If you book into a room in the extension, you’ll find yourself in either the ‘Hillside’ or ‘Riverside’ theme, with the former designed with soft greens and the latter icy and dark blues, to reflect the rover and lake outside.
There’s waterfall showers, comfortable beds with signature the hotel’s signature headboards and the two suites also include a study area, fully-stocked mini bar and free-standing statement copper baths.
A night’s stay in one of these rooms includes a two-hour visit to the spa, with prices starting from £200.
You can take a dip in the spa’s heated chemical-free pool, and then swim outside where there’s a giant hot tub and spa garden waiting, with a drinks service also included, with the backdrop of the rolling Cumbrian hills.
It’s the ideal setting for woodland bathing among the spa garden, waterfall showers, a Finnish sauna and a relaxation cabin complete with fireplace.
The spa garden will offer a thermal circuit with of three bathing options – gentle, refreshing or intense.
Natural materials, holistic treatments, multi-sensory and sustainable practices are used in the spa as much as possible, with individual treatments rooms for massages and other beauty treatments available.
Perfect to enjoy a light meal or coffee and cake after a spa treatment or dip in the pool, the SOUL cafe, which is located on the ground floor of the newly created annex, also has its own sun terrace and a generous-sized, classy and comfortable seating area.
We tried a number of dishes on the menu, including the herby chicken and cooked salmon fillet, served with flavoured rice and a colourful salad.
There was also gyozas, quiche, mussels and freshly-prepared soup on offer while the cake selection included strawberry pavlova, millionaire shortbread and scones.
The cafe, which is decorated in earthy greens and browns, has views looking out on the river and its own outdoor terrace.
The approach to the Swan Hotel & Spa is via a stone bridge over the River Leven (Image: James Maloney/LancsLive)
Full article – https://www.lancs.live/news/local-news/first-look-inside-lake-districts-23247222
Hotel Indigo® Manchester – Victoria Station is preparing to open its doors following the practical completion of the project and hand-over of the site to the hotel group IHG.
Positioned at the gateway of the Northern Quarter, one of Manchester’s most vibrant areas and a stone’s throw from Victoria Station, Hotel Indigo® Manchester – Victoria Station is a 187-room boutique hotel, offering guests luxurious city centre accommodation.
Designed by local architects, 3D Reid, the building aligns the historic architecture of the Grade II listed City Buildings with a stunning 14 story rotunda tower, the combination of old and new serves as a breath-taking gateway between the main shopping district and the developing NOMA district.
The completion of the project marks a major milestone for the developer BH Group. James Houlston, Managing Director of BH Group said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this project, 3D Reid has created a truly iconic building which, with its pivotal location at the gateway to the NOMA project, will become a recognised landmark for the city centre.”
James continued: “The contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland has done a great job. We took on a complex project with a number of challenges and they have demonstrated their expertise and professionalism with the delivery of a fabulous building, hats off to them!”
The £30m project has taken two years to complete and at its peak had 160 people working on it. A key ambition for the scheme was to restore the beautiful, historic City Buildings which have been carefully renovated and brought back to life through the development. In addition to this investment the project has created more than 80 jobs in the running of the hotel and restaurant.
Neil Brook, Regional Director North West, of Bowmer & Kirkland said: “This project has been a complex one for us, but we are delighted to reach practical completion and are really looking forward to visiting the hotel when it opens.”
In addition to the hotel, Mamucium Restaurant and Bar, which will be situated on the ground floor of the hotel, is being hailed as Manchester’s latest must-visit dining destination. The fashionable and modern 120-seat restaurant and bar, is set to serve up an array of mouth-watering dishes, skilfully prepared by double AA Rosette winning chef Andrew Green (formerly Executive Chef at The Lowry Hotel).
Andrew Green, Executive Chef said: “Mamucium is going to create a truly unique Manchester experience for our customers. Now that we have visibility of the restaurant and bar we are bowled over, it far exceeds our initial vision and it is going to provide a vibrant must-visit dining experience for the city.”
For further information, please visit www.ihg.com/HotelIndigo/Manchester.
Structural works being carried out on one of Manchester’s most prominent building developments have now been unveiled, revealing a stunning and iconic new structure in the heart of the city centre.
Situated next to Victoria Station, the new Hotel Indigo building has finally shed its scaffolding, unveiling a breath-taking new 14 story, modern, rotunda tower adjacent to the sympathetically restored City Buildings.
Designed by local architects 3DReid, the new tower building has a clean and modern façade featuring floor to ceiling glazing which provide spectacular views across the city as well as an abundance of natural light into the rooms. The tower complements the traditional style and architecture of the Grade II listed City Buildings brilliantly and blends in well with other buildings in the local vicinity. Contractors Bowmer & Kirkland are now continuing to carry out interior building works which are on track to complete ahead of the hotel opening this autumn.
Upon completion, Hotel Indigo will provide 187 bedrooms in total, contained in both the brand new tower building as well as the historic City Buildings section. A bar and restaurant is also set to open in the hotel offering guests and city dwellers a vibrant new venue to enjoy. More detailed information regarding the hotel is set to be revealed in the coming months.
James Houlston of BH Group, said, “We are thrilled with the result of the work that has taken place so far. The building looks spectacular and is eye catching for all of the right reasons. We tried very hard to maintain the original fabric of the City Buildings and I am so pleased that we have been able to intertwine this with a modern new tower that reflects Manchester’s newer trends in architecture.”
BH Group has also praised Manchester City Council’s planning department for their hard work and support in ensuring the success of the re-development works.
Nab Speakes, Director of 3DReid, said: “Creating a building that perfectly balances modern architecture with old is always challenging and the plans that we designed for the Hotel Indigo project were especially ambitious. Upon seeing the final result, we couldn’t be prouder of its design and how well it works in reality. Our talented team has created a remarkable new building that is a welcome addition to this part of the city. It stands at the gateway to the NOMA development and links this area seamlessly with the city centre.”
Mamucium set to become latest city centre dining sensation
· Guests to be wowed with food served up by double AA Rosette award winning Local chef Andrew Green
· Ultra-stylish venue comprises bar, restaurant and café
Plans for what is tipped to be Manchester’s hottest new bar and restaurant have been revealed today, ahead of its much-anticipated autumn launch.
Featuring a vibrant new bar, stylish 120-seater restaurant and a sumptuous yet relaxed 70 seater café, Mamucium will offer the finest food and drinks in a chic and comfortable environment.
Set to be one of the city’s go-to dining destinations, Mamucium will serve up an array of mouth-watering dishes, skilfully prepared by double AA Rosette winning chef Andrew Green. Diners can expect to be treated to a delicious menu of classic, locally sourced food, topped off with a Northern spin. Andrew joins Hotel Indigo® group, taking the helm at Mamucium, after moving across from the city’s prestigious 5-star Lowry Hotel.
Andrew said: “I am really excited to be a part of Mamucium and cannot wait to introduce my new creations to diners in the city. I intend to keep the menu simple, serving classic food with my own unique spin. I’m passionate about using seasonal and where possible, locally sourced ingredients and this will be a theme that runs throughout the menus. You can expect to eat expertly prepared dishes by myself and my hand-picked team, many of which include a nod to the venue’s wonderful Northern heritage.”
One of the region’s most successful chefs, Andrew has a wealth of experience in the industry including posts as Executive Chef at the Radisson Blu and Crowne Plaza hotels at Manchester Airport as well as at The Lowry. Last year Andrew was shortlisted for the prestigious Catey’s Hotel Chef of the Year Award as well as receiving the Mentor of the Year Award at the city’s Manchester Hoteliers Association Annual Ball and Awards.
Designed by architects and designers from 3DReid, Mamucium’s planned interior reveals a luxurious setting with modern Art Deco influences. A glamorous, curved mahogany and glass bar area will be the centrepiece of the venue and the open yet intimate restaurant area will feature comfortable banquet and table seating all with views of the open kitchen area.
BH Group is the developer responsible for Mamucium and the building it is situated in.
James Houlston, Managing Director of BH Group said, “We wanted to create a destination like no other in the city. Mamucium, is the name given to the Roman fort that was the birthplace of Manchester which we felt represented our vision for the venue perfectly. Being at the gateway to the NOMA regeneration site and the entrance to the newly refurbished Victoria Station, we wanted to create a modern venue that represents Manchester reborn. Somewhere where the best local food and produce can be enjoyed, day or night in surroundings that reflect both the heritage and progression of the city.
“We are thrilled that Andy is joining our team. His food is second to none and his passion and authenticity for local and seasonally sourced food complements our vision of Mamucium perfectly. He is undoubtedly the right chef for this venture and we cannot wait to introduce his creations to diners in the city.”
The project is a mixture of refurbishment to Grade II listed building and a new construction
A new restaurant, café and 187-bed hotel due to open in October this year marked a major milestone this week following its “topping out” ceremony.
The project led by developer BH Group and the contractor Bowmer and Kirkland offers a mixture of refurbishment to an existing Grade II listed, four storey building, and an entirely new construction of a 14 storey rotunda tower.
The Hotel Indigo Manchester Victoria was previously known as City Buildings; the project is the gateway site to the NOMA development, an £800 million, 20 acre (eight hectare) mixed-use redevelopment scheme in Manchester that is focused on revitalising and opening the northern area of the city centre.
James Houlston from BH Group said “The building looks incredible and will become a welcome addition to the Manchester skyline. This has been a complicated project but we are delighted with the progress made, we are on track for an October opening.”
Neil Brook, Regional Director at Bowmer Kirkland stated “The topping out ceremony is a culmination of a lot of hard work by the team, there were a lot of challenges with this project, which required all the development team and council to pull together to make it happen, it is great to see that the end is finally in sight.”
When complete the development will boast a 187 bed Hotel Indigo, the first of its kind in Manchester. The development will also have a new restaurant bar and café.
James Houlston BH Group continued; “We are really excited about the concept that is being developed for the restaurant, bar and café. The location lends itself to creating something quite special and we’ll be unveiling our plans shortly.
“Despite a complex delivery programme and tight timescale we are on schedule, to the credit of all involved.”
“This is a major undertaking for us and I know that when finished, this is going to be a hugely popular restaurant and bar, supported by an excellent hotel, all of which will support the regional economy with strong job creation.”
Photo caption left to right: Lee Powell, Bowmer and Kirkland Project Manager, James McDevitt General Manger of Hotel Indigo Manchester Victoria Station, Des Mahood Director for Gleeds Management Services Ltd – Clients PM, James Houlston BH Group, Andrew Flannery Bowmer and Kirkland Contracts Manager
BH Group has recently acquired St Michaels Hotel in Falmouth and formed a joint venture with Carpenter Hotels.
A North Yorkshire property company, which began as a specialist in the development of small unit commercial space, is expanding its offering across the Pennines with a celebrity chef-led restaurant and hotel.
BH Group, headquartered in Harrogate, is behind the restaurant, café and 187-bed hotel currently being built in the heart of Manchester, conveniently next to Victoria station. Previously known as City Buildings, the project is the gateway site to the NOMA development, an £800 million, 20 acre (eight hectare) mixed-use redevelopment scheme in Manchester that is focused on revitalising and opening the northern area of the city centre.
James Houlston, founder and managing director of BH Group, said: “Several years ago we made a significant shift in strategy away from the small business unit market and diversified into two new sectors: renewable energy, via our sister company BH EnergyGap, and hospitality. Our development in Manchester, which is on track to open in September 2018, is one of a number of projects we are currently developing, and forms part of our overall long term strategy to create a portfolio of hotels and other income-producing assets.”
This is not BH Group’s first foray into Greater Manchester, having completed developments at The Embankment in Stockport and Christie Fields in South Manchester.
When finished, the development, which incorporates the Grade II listed City Buildings, will be 14 storeys high and will provide 187 bedrooms, with a large restaurant and bar. The name of the celebrity chef, and details regarding the restaurant and café, are being kept under wraps until next year.
BH Group has another hotel currently being developed in Blackpool with joint venture partners Creative Development, and is working on a number of similar deals throughout the UK.
Source https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bh-group-looks-new-horizons-business-diversifies-james-houlston/
BH EnergyGap’s Resource Recovery & Renewable Energy Production Facility (The 3Rs) in Walsall has moved a significant step closer to start construction. BH EnergyGap and BWSC have signed a cooperation agreement with a view to agreeing contracts for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Facility.
BWSC (Burmeister & Wain Scandinavian Contractor) with its head office in Copenhagen and more than 600 employees globally has extensive experience in biomass, renewable energy plant construction as well of engine based energy plants. The company specialises in the engineering and delivery of technologically advanced thermal power plants, with 8 facilities already in the UK.
Keith Riley, Partner of BH EnergyGap, the developer of The 3Rs at Fryers Road, Walsall said ‘We are delighted to have BWSC on board and are confident we can now proceed to complete the final contractual arrangements needed to get construction underway.’
Kobelco Eco-Solutions have been selected to provide the gasification process equipment for the 3Rs.
Anderes Heine Jensen, CEO of BWSC said ‘We are pleased to be working with BH EnergyGap and Kobelco and look forward to financial close.’ When complete, The 3Rs at Fryers Road, Walsall will process up to 300,000 tonnes of mixed waste every year to export around 25MW of electricity.