An 18th century northern Lincolnshire hotel has been bought by Hunt Group, with the property developer’s directors investing in their home town.
Brigg’s Exchange Coach House Inn and Tavern hit the market earlier this year, having been closed since 2020. Former owner Joseph Mullen decided to retire rather than reopen following the pandemic, having operated the town centre venue for almost 40 years.
The Grade II listed property, which had been on the market for offers in the region of £950,000, features 42 bedrooms, four bars, two restaurants and several function rooms, with courtyard seating area.
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Built around 1760, it welcomed Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the Second World War.
Now chief executive Shaun Hunt is promising further investment as he seeks to improve the offer to the community, adding it to a diverse business stable that includes Scunthorpe’s Britcon and Specialist Surfacing as well as the similarly aged Hirst Priory venue near Crowle.
He said: “The Hunt family are absolutely delighted with this acquisition and becoming the new custodians of this sizeable hotel and food and beverage complex in the very heart of the historic market town of Brigg.
“This is the family’s home town and we are committing ourselves to a very significant investment throughout the site. Whilst the ‘vibe’ in Brigg is already good we shall strive to make it even better, hopefully making Brigg the place to go in North Lincolnshire. This will undoubtedly require the help, support and combined efforts of all local businesses, including all existing and new food and beverage operators.”
Plans include a sports and live entertainment venue, large restaurant with gin bar, traditional bar and full update of bedrooms. The aim is to reopen later this year.
Colliers acted for Mr Mullen. Robert Smithson, associate director of the firm’s hotels agency, said: “We are delighted to have advised Mr Mullen who successfully operated the business for the last 38 years. This sale highlights the strong levels of interest in regional UK hotels and in particular those which present a new owner with significant opportunities to grow trade in this post-pandemic market.”
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