Northumberland hotel under new ownership with plans for new bar and barbecue evenings

Kay Henry, an experienced hospitality and leisure operator, has purchased the Coquetvale Hotel on Station Road.

She said: “Our key priority is to engage more with local trade and look to offer better value for money food, while still retaining the excellent standard of produce.

"We also have plans to convert the existing ground floor owners flat into the original bar and make better use of the wonderful exterior space, and to hold barbecue evenings on the decked terrace.

"We feel that the wedding trade has been historically low and therefore we will be actively marketing the hotel as a boutique wedding venue as well as a lovely country getaway.”

The business closed its doors in December 2020, when the trading company entered liquidation.

Christie & Co, the specialist business property advisor, completed its sale on behalf of North East-based liquidators, Northpoint.

It marketed the business at £425,000 and was inundated with enquiries, culminating in a best and final offer scenario and a number of excellent cash offers.

Mark Worley, director in Christie & Co’s hospitality team, said: “Despite being closed and in liquidation, the interest in this hotel was tremendous and is indicative of the current demand for tourism and leisure-led hotels and hospitality businesses ahead of the 2021 summer season, when we expect to see the UK staycation boom continue.

"Bookings for domestic holidays are through the roof, due to ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions, and buyers are keen to capitalise on this opportunity, so we would welcome anyone operating a similar business and who are considering selling, to get in touch.”

Boasting views across the town and rolling hills, The Coquetvale Hotel features 14 en-suite bedrooms, a spacious bar and restaurant, with private dining room, large ceremony room and decked sun terrace.

The previous owners recently completed a significant refurbishment, meaning little investment is required from the new owner.

The hotel was originally built in the 1870s by Lord William Armstrong, the distinguished North East engineer, philanthropist and scientist, and was initially used as a railway hotel to service guests visiting the nearby Cragside House.

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