The 45-bedroom hotel, situated in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Cirencester town centre, has been closed for the last six years for extensive renovation work, which has included an archaeological excavation of its cellars.
The Vineyard Group, which owns two hotels and manages seven for sister company Sonoma, will operate the hotel for owners Wildmoor Properties when it re-opens next March.
Andrew McKenzie, managing director of The Vineyard Group, said: “We are passionate about all the projects we take on board, but the King’s Head is a little bit special; it’s in a great location and has some stunning architectural features. It will be exciting to see this historical gem rejuvenated to become part of the social fabric of Cirencester.”
Closed for redevelopment in 2007, the King’s Head is expected to open as a modern, elegant hotel with all-day dining facilities offering 'the very best of modern British food'. Befitting with The Vineyard Group's focus on wine, it is also expected to offer an 'exceptional' wine list.
Individual design
Final refurbishment of the hotel is expected to start shortly with rooms to be individually designed to retain the building's character. Wildmoor is also planning to add subterranean spa and treatment rooms for use by residential and non-residential guests.
The King’s Head redevelopment will also see the completion of the ancillary facilities to the adjoining Corn Hall, which currently hosts a variety of weekly markets.
A spokesperson for owners Wildmoor said: “We are delighted that Peter Brunt from Colliers International introduced us to the multi-award winning Vineyard Group, who have such a strong reputation for innovation and excellence. Under their management, we believe the King’s Head will become a stylish and vibrant addition to this prime part of Cirencester, whilst retaining the essence of the building’s historic past.”