New Lancashire hospitality firm acquires nine pubs and two hotels

A new hospitality business has acquired a raft of pubs and hotels to drive its goal of becoming a nationwide chain.

Provincial Hotels and Inns has purchased nine Lancashire pubs and two hotels from Lancaster-based leisure operator Mitchell’s, including the Windmill Tavern at Salwick, the Clarendon Hotel in Morecambe and the County Hotel in Carnforth.

Headquartered in Burton-in-Kendal, Provincial was launched by hospitality management firm Onecall Hospitality with support from a small team of London-based private investors.

Over the coming 18 months, the firm plans to make further acquisitions.

Onecall Hospitality director Mark Chambers, who is also a director of Provincial, said: “Provincial will be a unique brand with a range of distinctive hotels and inns.

“Our aim is to take iconic but underperforming venues and breathe new life into them.”

He added: “Through a programme of refurbishment and restyling, and using our expertise in hospitality management, we will place them once again at the heart of their communities.”

As it continues to expand, Provincial’s portfolio will comprise two types of inn; its Taps brand will serve craft beers alongside English bar food and nibbles, while its family venues will offer exclusive table wines, coffee lounges and children’s play areas.

Provincial’s hotels business will be geared to local demand.

Speaking further, Mark said: “The hotels will be community venues and cater to market demand, rather than following a set formula.

“For example, the Clarendon at Morecambe will be inspired by the seaside holidays of yesteryear with a very traditional tea room, while the County in Carnforth will offer family dining and also provide a venue for events and functions – exactly what it was renowned for ten years ago.”

The portfolio includes a mix of tenanted and managed properties.

Kaushik Mistry, the owner of the Kendal-based Slate Bar, is joining Provincial in the role of operations director.

Kaushik commented: “In addition to the investment in the properties, we will be providing tenants with marketing assistance and full support to grow their business.”

For Mitchell’s, the disposal forms part of a strategy to focus on brewing and expand its pub business outside Lancashire. Following the transaction with Provincial, Mitchell’s portfolio comprises 38 properties.

Alasdair Rudge, a senior director of real estate firm CBRE, acted as property advisor during the sale. Steve Shelley, a London-based broker, helped secure the equity funding.

Elsewhere, Martyn Rickels of Manchester-based FRP Advisory advised on debt finance, David Edwards of HSBC in Manchester arranged.

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