Bespoke to operate new hotel group created from Shearings sites


The Coast & Country Hotel Collection, a newly formed group of former Shearings Hotels, is set to reopen in the coming weeks under a reinvigorated brand aimed at showcasing the wonderful locations of the properties incorporated within the portfolio.

With Shearings Hotels having gone into administration in May 2020, it was feared that its eclectic mix of properties would be lost to the hospitality industry forever.

However, under new ownership and following a Hotel Management Agreement with Bespoke Hotels, 39 of the hotels are set to reopen as lockdown eases – with reopenings occurring across the next few months in accordance with Government guidance and the individual circumstances of each hotel.

The hotels are spread across 33 well-established leisure destinations in England, Scotland and Wales and include properties located in celebrated spots such as the Windermere Hotel in Windermere, The Caledonian in Fort William, the Highlands, and the Ship and Castle in St Mawes, Cornwall (pictured centre).

Many of the hotels, as their collective name implies, are within areas close to coastal or rural attractions and offer clients a base to visit established regional tourist attractions or take part in active outdoor pursuits including so much in demand after months of lockdown.

Paul FitzGerald, Portfolio Managing Director at Bespoke, said of the plans for the collection, “Given the enormous challenges of the last few months, we’re delighted to bring such a wonderful mix of properties back to market.

'Many of them are well-known within their areas and their initial closure was felt keenly amongst their respective communities. Now though, we’re able to offer not just jobs and wider tourism opportunities through reopening, but a hospitality service that people can engage with as restrictions lift.”

He continued, “With the country having been unable to enjoy the delights of hospitality for so long, everyone is eager to enjoy themselves post lockdown, and as people are starting to realise these properties are reopening, we’re already seeing keen interest to book – something that bodes really well for their future success.”