The collaboration between the Chester City’s two venues is part of the Grosvenor’s ambitious expansion project. It will see Oddfellows increase its rooms from four to 18, redevelop its garden and revamp the restaurant and bar.
“We believe the management agreement will allow Oddfellows to punch above its weight in the long run,” a spokesperson for The Chester Grosvenor told BigHospitality.
“The Chester Grosvenor brings the expertise of operating a hotel to the table. The hotel has been trading for a long time and we know the regional, national and international market well. We believe The Chester Grosvenor can add real value to this exciting project.”
The spokeseperson went on to reveal that the hotel’s decision was based on a number of factors:
- “There’s a clear need for a boutique hotel in Chester and we think the building, location and vision is perfect – we want to add value to that.”
- “The opportunity to utilize the experience and skills base at The Chester Grosvenor in another business.”
- “It is another hotel where we can give the opportunity for job and skills opportunities.”
The Chester Grosvenor’s managing director Jonathan Slater, finance director Fiona McBurnie and Simon Radley, executive chef at the hotel’s La Brasserie restaurant, are part of the management team who will work with the Oddfellows’ owners.
There will be no Chester Grosvenor branding at Oddfellows and both businesses will operate totally separately.
New restaurant
As part of the management agreement, Oddfellows will feature a brand new restaurant to be run by Radley – his first outside of The Chester Grosvenor.
The as-yet-unnamed restaurant will cater for 100-120 covers, offering dining inside and outside. The food will have a Mediterranean theme and the hotel is set to reveal more details in the coming weeks.
Radley’s role at The Chester Grosvenor will remain unchanged, and business will carry on as usual at La Brasserie.