What's happening?

New lease of life for historic hotel following multi-million pound project
23 Mar 2016
by Rhea Alton

A major project to update and rejuvenate a historic country hotel on the outskirts of Shrewsbury is now complete.
Peter Cashman, owner of the Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, has injected significant amounts on investment into the 18th Century manor house  since acquiring it in November 2014.
The ambitious project has included a complete refurbishment of the hotel’s Inspirations Leisure Club and Spa, a major extension of the bar and a complete overhaul of the main hotel entrance and reception area.
The main function suite used for weddings and events has also been upgraded and the hotel’s two bridal suites have also been fully refurbished.
Outside, the driveway has been relaid and the gardens landscaped and a new wedding pavilion has been installed by the lake.
Hotel general manager Jennifer Sibbald-Wall, who has been overseeing operations at the hotel since last summer, said: “The transformation is quite unbelievable. When I first took over the day-to-day running of the hotel it was quite clear some areas of the hotel were in need of improvement.
“Indeed, Peter himself took ownership of the hotel with a vision in mind to transform the building into the luxurious hotel it deserves to be and I think now his dream has been realised.
“It has not been easy over the last few months with so much building work around the hotel but all staff have pulled together and worked really hard to see the project completed on time.
“We are sure hotel guests and visitors to the property will be very impressed by the transformation.”
Mr Cashman, who is also chief executive of Focus Hotels, added: “I knew straight away when I saw the hotel it had massive potential and the work undertaken over the last 12 months or so has, without doubt, given the hotel a new lease of life.
“It feels fresh and modern but at the same time has retained many of its traditional, country house features.”
The four star hotel, which has 87 bedrooms and was originally built in 1630, is set in 15 acres of grounds, just outside Shrewsbury on Ellesmere Road.
It is already a popular venue for weddings and events and in April the hotel is set to launch its new business hub in the newly revamped 1630s bar.
For further information on the hotel or to book a wedding or event contact 01939 291000 or click here to visit the website.