Historic Scarborough hotel set for transformation under plans for new boutique brand

Two hoteliers are using seven-figure funding from challenger bank OakNorth to launch a new boutique hotel brand, starting with a venue in Scarborough.

Entrepreneurs Simon Rhatigan and Simon Kershaw used the £2.8m facility to support their acquisition of the 50-bedroom Mount Hotel and an adjacent five-storey townhouse in Cliff Bridge Terrace.

The pair will convert the site into a 59-room venue by refurbishing the Grade II-listed hotel and converting the townhouse.

Trading under the Bike & Boot brand, it will include a new 100-cover bar and grill restaurant, bicycle storage facilities, walking and surfing drying rooms, dog-washing facilities, a retreat lounge with complimentary hot drinks and a guest cinema.

Of the 59 rooms at the Bike & Boot hotel, 31 will offer sea views.

Simon Rhatigan most recently ran the management contract for the Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group, before which he was MD of The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa in North Yorkshire.

Simon Kershaw, meanwhile, previously held senior roles at leisure group Whitbread and provided consulting to several independent hotels.

They said in a joint statement: “We are very excited to be launching this new hotel concept and feel this beautiful site in Scarborough is the ideal location to get started.

“The town is a well-established and historic seaside resort offering a range of sites, including the ruins of an 11th century castle and a large harbour which has undergone major regeneration in recent years.”

They added: “Our hope is that Bike and Boot will offer a unique escape for not only tourists but also for locals who might wish to visit the restaurant or cinema.”

Deepesh Thakrar, senior director of debt finance at OakNorth, said: “This unique hotel concept is the brainchild of two experienced hoteliers who have worked together for several years.

“Both Simons have an extensive track record in developing and delivering for some of the UK’s respected hotels and leisure brands and have successfully built a business that provides strategic management services to the hospitality industry, Helmsley Hospitality.”

He continued: “We look forward to watching the Bike & Boot brand develop and working with them on future sites.”