Lancashire-based Bowland Inns & Hotels to continue expansion across the North West following £25m loan from OakNorth.
OakNorth, the neobank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a £25m loan to Bowland Inns & Hotels, the market-leading pub, hotel, and wedding venue specialist operator.
The £25m loan from OakNorth will be used to refinance the existing portfolio of properties and complete both the acquisition and refurbishment of one new property, Wennington Hall near Lancaster, and expand the bedroom stock of one existing property, Waddington Arms near Clitheroe. Wennington Hall, an imposing country house set in magnificent gardens and grounds situated in between the Lake District, the Ribble Valley, and the Yorkshire Dales, is to be transformed into a luxury hotel, retreat, and exclusive-use wedding and events venue. Opening in late spring 2024, the site will join Mitton Hall near Whalley, Eaves Hall near Clitheroe, and Falcon Manor near Settle among others in the Dream Venues Collection. The Waddington Arms is a popular village inn in a picture postcard village at the heart of the Ribble Valley. The expansion scheme will see an increase in the number of bedrooms from 6 to 14 and an increase in dining capacity.
About Bowland Inns & Hotels: Founded in 1996 and owned by James Warburton, Bowland Inns & Hotels consists of two sub-brands, James’ Places and Dream Venues Collection, which operates its award-winning wedding venues. Headquartered in Clitheroe, Lancashire, the firm’s portfolio has continued to grow as a result of its successful “buy and build” strategy, with it now operating 11 separate venues across the Ribble Valley, Lune Valley, Yorkshire Dales and the South Lakes.