The Kingslodge Inn in Durham City has re-opened following an extensive refurbishment, following the acquisition of the former hotel and restaurant by The Inn Collection Group last month.
The five-week groundfloor refurbishment of The Kingslodge Inn in Durham City has now been completed. Two additional bedrooms have been created downstairs, bringing the total number to 23. The current separate restaurant area is now an integral part of the new Kingslodge Inn as the company expands its portfolio of inns across North East England.
Sean Donkin, Operations Director at The Inn Collection Group, said: “We are pleased to be opening our first city Inn. In line with our other award-winning Inns in the region The Kingslodge Inn will offer a cosy and welcoming traditional pub with excellent en-suite accommodation, serving fine beers along with superb home-cooked food in a location convenient to both local people and visitors alike.”
In addition to its location close to the heart of historic Durham City, The Kingslodge Inn is situated near to the mainline train station and less than a mile from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle – one of the most recognisable landmarks in the country.
The new General Manager is Leanne Jeffrey, from Whitley Bay, who has over 20 years’ experience in the industry both in the north east and abroad. She has been Deputy Manager at The Inn Collection Group’s Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick, for the past year and is looking forward to taking on an exciting new challenge in Durham.
Leanne Jeffrey said: “I am really looking forward to making The Kingslodge Inn a welcoming place. The concept, like the other Inn Collection Group Inns, is a pub with rooms. It has been transformed into a traditional pub with excellent en-suite accommodation, serving fine beers along with superb home-cooked food in a location convenient to both local people and visitors alike.
“The new Kingslodge Inn will offer facilities for everyone. We want to establish The Kingslodge Inn as an important part of the offer to tourists in Durham City but equally we are looking forward to welcoming Durham residents as regulars as well as cyclists and walkers. Even dogs will be very welcome in designated areas in both the bar and our accommodation.”
The Kingslodge Inn joined The Inn Collection Group family of north east pubs with rooms earlier this year. The fast-growing hospitality specialist’s portfolio includes The Lindisfarne Inn near Holy Island, The Bamburgh Castle Inn at Seahouses and The Hog’s Head Inn at Alnwick, The Seaton Lane Inn near Seaham as well as The King’s Head Inn at Newton under Roseberry in North Yorkshire and the soon to open The Commissioners Quay Inn in Blyth.
The Inn Collection Group was shortlisted in the prestigious national Publican Awards earlier this year reaching the finals in the Best Accommodation Provider category at the awards ceremony – the pub industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.
The fast growing hospitality specialist was named Best Leisure Business in the Northumberland Business Awards in 2015. Taking top honours in the sought after leisure category, The Inn Collection Group was recognised by judges for its innovation, proven track record, value for money and standards of service across the hospitality sector. In the North East Tourism Awards, The Bamburgh Castle Inn was named the Tourism Pub of the Year and The Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick, won silver in the Access for All category.
Inn Collection Group chief executive, Keith Liddell, said: Mr Liddell said: “All of our inns provide excellent, value-for-money accommodation in handpicked locations, home-cooked pub food served all day, every day, well-stocked bars, and a warm welcome to our customers. We are very excited about the prospect of operating a successful Inn in the historic Durham City.”
For further information: www.kingslodgeinn.co.uk