The group has set a target of opening up to 20 new sites under the new brand within the next few years.
Plans are currently underway to find ‘character’ properties throughout the UK to operate under the brand, with the first one likely to be located in Gloucestershire.
The Blackburn-based brewery, which also runs over 350 pubs and six four-star hotels under its Shire brand, will be looking to create a nation-wide chain of hotels that offer “excellent food, traditional ales and good value accommodation”.
Sites sought throughout England
Property agent Christie + Co, which has been engaged by Daniel Thwaites to seek out the new sites, says that the first property has already been found and the company is currently working on its acquisition.
“I should imagine we’ll be closing the first deal on this site in Gloucestershire within the next three to four weeks. It will probably be refurbished, established and operating before the summer,” said Jeremy Jones, director, Christie + Co.
In its search for other sites, Daniel Thwaites will be looking for character properties on a freehold – or very long leasehold – basis.
Each site should have 15-40 bedrooms, or “more if appropriate”, and will need to offer substantial bar and dining areas with up to 100 covers. Locations throughout England are of interest, particularly strong commercial and leisure destinations.
The company will fund its expansion plans largely from the £77.5m raised from the sale of its Stafford Hotel in London, in 2009.
“There’s a good space in the market for characterfull, good value, hostelries. Particularly in market town locations there is good demand for businesses offering good food and beverages, good ale and good accommodation at value pricing,” said Jones.