The Grosvenor Estate in Chester has announced that Bespoke Hotels is to take over the running of The Chester Grosvenor.
The news follows the announcement that managing director Jonathan Slater is to retire at the end of this month after 30 years at the popular hotel. This new development means The Grosvenor Estate will continue to own the freehold of the hotel on behalf of the Grosvenor family which Bespoke will operator on a long leasehold basis. The Chester Grosvenor will still offer a high quality experience for guests, including the Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’. The hotel itself will still be owned by the family of the Duke of Westminster.
Explaining the new arrangement Jeremy Newsum, executive trustee of the Grosvenor Estate, said: “Jonathan has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the hotel but to the city of Chester over many years and we recognised that, despite the talent that exists within the management team, he would be extremely difficult to replace. We have therefore taken the opportunity to conduct a full review of our operation and concluded that taking this bold step is the right thing to do to ensure that the hotel is able to continue to play an important role in the city.
“Bespoke tailor their approach for each hotel so The Chester Grosvenor brand will continue and will be able to benefit from Bespoke’s network of hotels. The Trustees believe that being part of a group operation will be more effective than operating as a single hotel especially at a time when the hotel industry is becoming increasingly driven by technology.”
Robin Sheppard, chairman of Bespoke Hotels Ltd, said: “Bespoke is delighted to be working with the Grosvenor Estate and The Chester Grosvenor. Our team will ensure there is business as usual and will continue to provide the superb service guests have always expected from the hotel and their stay, whilst also ensuring the business of The Chester Grosvenor benefits from the operational and marketing expertise Bespoke brings.”