Deal secured to save 43 jobs at hotel in Cirencester

More than 40 jobs have been saved at the Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester after administrators secured a rescue deal for the hotel

David Hudson and Ian Corfield, partners at FRP Advisory Trading Limited, were appointed as joint administrators of KHH Cirencester Limited, the company behind the 66-bedroom hotel, on 29^th November 2024.

A rise in utilities prices, coupled with general pressures from the cost-of-living crisis, caused the business to experience a period of financial difficulty and it was forced to enter administration.

But a rescue deal for the hotel has now been agreed with Oxfordshire based W.H. Brakspear & Sons Limited, an established family-owned business operating inns, pubs and restaurants. The acquisition means the Kings Head Hotel will continue operating, securing the jobs of all 43 employees.

The deal with Brakspear means the future for this local landmark, and its employees, is looking far more secure and I’m confident we’ve found the right owner with the expertise to take it forward successfully

Ian Corfield Partner Restructuring Advisory

Peter Brunt, Director of Hotels Agency at Colliers (Bristol) acted as agent for the Administrators.

Ian Corfield, partner at FRP Advisory Trading Ltd, said: “The hospitality sector has had to grapple with a number of challenges in recent years, from rising operational costs to a decline in customers as they look to tighten their belts in response to the cost-of-living crisis. But the Kings Head Hotel is in a great location, with the Cotswolds right on its doorstep, making it an attractive acquisition.

“The deal with Brakspear means the future for this local landmark, and its employees, is looking far more secure and I’m confident we’ve found the right owner with the expertise to take it forward successfully.”

Brakspear Chief Executive Tom Davies said: “We’re excited to be bringing this exceptional hotel into our Honeycomb Houses family, and looking forward to welcoming our new colleagues to Honeycomb.”