"Historic" Ripon hotel set for new lease of life with acquisition by Newcastle inn chain

A North East inn chain has announced that it has acquired a “historic” hotel in North Yorkshire.

The Inn Collection Group, based in Newcastle, has announced its purchase of the Ripon Spa Hotel near Ripon Racecourse.

The deal, which brings the Inn Collection Group’s portfolio to 24 pubs with rooms, is the group’s fourth Yorkshire site.

The site will remain closed while the group carries out a “major but sympathetic” refurbishment.

Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group, commented: “The Ripon Spa is a fantastic addition to our portfolio of properties.

“It has huge potential which we have an exciting vision to realise. We’re looking forward to starting that journey while expanding the group’s footprint in Yorkshire.

“The Inn Collection Group excels at revitalising classic, landmark sites like The Ripon Spa and realising their full potential with significant capital spend, detailed planning and care to retain the unique, historic character of landmark sites such as this.”

Julian Troup, head of UK Hotels Agency at Colliers, said: “This sale marks a new chapter in the history of The Ripon Spa Hotel, and I look forward to seeing this renowned Yorkshire hotel benefitting from the high-quality of refurbishment for which The Inn Collection Group is synonymous.

“There has been a noticeable change of mood in recent months among potential hotel purchasers.

“Activity has significantly increased, and The Ripon Spa Hotel attracted a good deal of interest from a diverse range of buyers before being secured by The Inn Collection Group.”