UCL expands into small hotel market
Urban & Country Leisure (UCL), the pub management operator and owner run by Ross Sanders, has unveiled plans to expand into the small hotel market with the launch of its first boutique-style hotel.
UCL, which currently operates 14 pubs across the UK, has invested £1.5m transforming the former Globe Hotel in Warwick, Warwickshire, into a hotel-pub, to be called the Lazy Cow. The hotel is expected to open in October.
The launch is part of an aggressive two-year expansion plan that will also see the independent hospitality operator plan to open a further 10 small boutique hotels, as well as expanding its pub estate with a further 12 in 2011/2012. Overall, it will amount to a £15m expansion.
The Lazy Cow is the first hotel project from Sanders' UCL blueprint which aims to bring unique, quality and bespoke boutique-style hotel accommodation to the market with a high-end pub/restaurant offering.
The venue, which is situated in Theatre Street, in the heart of Warwick, is also adjacent to Warwick Racecourse and one of the UK's biggest tourist attractions, Warwick Castle.
Sanders has recruited head chef David Philpot who was previously senior chef at the renowned London eateries Le Caprice, the Ivy and head chef at Soho House New York.
Each room will have the latest high-technology gadgets including Apple iPads, 32in flat-screen plasma HD TVs, Wi-Fi and iPods.
Rooms will also be kitted out with their own "Lazy Cow Swag Bag" where customers will be encouraged to take home the hotel's bathrobes, towels and unique range of its own branded toiletries.
