Macdonald Hotels adds historic coaching inn to its portfolio

The 17th Century coaching inn was previously owned by Judith Carter, who oversaw the buildings restoration. It is the 45th property under the Macdonald brand and will operate as a Macdonald Associate hotel with the name and all 40 staff retained.

Chris Gillett, managing director for Macdonald Hotels Management Services, said “Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is very pleased to have agreed terms with the owners of The Haycock that from January 2012 ensures this renowned, popular and beautifully appointed hotel will operate as an Associate offering within the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

“Easily accessible on routes from the north, south, east and west, The Haycock offers discerning business guests impressive and modern conference facilities and can readily accommodate 250 delegates. These factors, combined with its geographical location make The Haycock an excellent strategic fit for Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

“As a company, we now look forward to supporting general manager Linda Nicholson and her staff in developing the potential of this beautifully appointed country house hotel.”

Orchads restaurant​

Under the new agreement, the food offering at the hotel’s AA Rosette-award-winning Orchards restaurant will be further enhanced in keeping with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts policy for its skilled chefs to always prepare dishes using only the finest, freshest produce drawn from whole, raw ingredients.

Last year, the Group revealed it was in talks with a number of top chefs to run partnership food operations across its entire estate after signing a deal with Aiden Byrne to open a restaurant at one of its Cheshire properties​.