Liverpool hotel chain saves North Wales venue

A LIVERPOOL-based hotel group has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a well-known North Wales hotel.

Everbright Lodge has bought the Wild Pheasant in Llangollen, which closed last month after going into administration.

The company, which already owns Rossett Hall Hotel in Wrexham, is now planning a major refurbishment programme at the 46-bedroom property.

The company was advised on the acquisition by hotel turnaround and management specialists Onecall Hospitality, which will operate it on its behalf.

The Wild Pheasant was closed on August 4 by administrators at Duff & Phelps and all staff were made redundant.

Andrew Addison, regional operations manager with Onecall Hospitality, said the refurbishments, which include improvements to the bedrooms, bar, restaurant and function rooms, were due to start almost immediately with the hotel scheduled to reopen in early November. A recruitment process will be starting in the next couple of weeks.

Addison said: “The Wild Pheasant was one of North Wales’ best known hotels. It was well loved by locals and a popular stop-off point for coach parties. However in recent years it has suffered from a lack of investment. We aim to restore it to its former position as a focal point within the community, as a venue for dining out and for events and functions, and also to rebuild the tourist trade.

“Ultimately the Wild Pheasant will be part of a unique collection of hotels of character under the ownership of Everbright Lodge.”

Ryan Lynn of Christie & Co acted as agent for the sale of the property, while Bermans provided legal advice to the buyer.