New venture for the ‘Dronfield two’
THE Manor House Hotel in Dronfield near Sheffield is to once again open its doors following major refurbishment and investment.
New owners Stephen Geary and former Sheffield United football legend Kevin Gage have transformed the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1540, into an 11-bedroom boutique hotel.
Around 20 jobs have been created as a result of the renovation.
Accommodation includes two suites, five double and four single bedrooms, where each room has been individually styled by a local interior designer Lisa Brook to create a relaxing and welcoming ambience.
The hotel has a classic 50s style with a modern twist and enjoys an enviable location in the old part of Dronfield just a short drive from the Peak District.
“We wanted to give the hotel its own identity and a completely unique feel,” said Mr Geary.
“We have already taken dozens of bookings from business people, as well as weekend visitors to the Peak District, as it really does offer the best of both worlds.”
It’s not the first hotel and leisure business that the two business partners have embarked upon.
The pair first met when Mr Gage owned the Angel Inn in Holmesfield near to where Mr Geary lived.
With the footballer having retired and Mr Geary a free agent having sold his electronics business, the two men decided to look for a new challenge together.
Eventually, they decided to make an offer for the Green Dragon Inn, also in Dronfield. A few years later they bought the town’s other pub – the Blue Stoops.
Mr Geary said that he and Kevin had always had their eye on the Manor House Hotel, which lies between the two pubs.
The locals are already supporting the entrepreneurs’ latest venture by taking advantage of the hotel’s new menu, which includes cooked breakfast served from 7am, a lively lunchtime menu and Tapas-style menu in the evening.
He continued: “We’ve got off to a great start. In the current economic climate, people are looking to holiday here in the UK and we’re hoping with the facilities we offer here and the location, we can give guests their perfect short or long break.”
