Fuller’s, the London-based brewer and pub operator, has bought an historic hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon from Pebble Hotels, the company led by pub veteran Ted Kennedy.
The 500-year-old Grade II-listed White Swan has 41 rooms and a traditional pub on the ground floor, with low beams and a large open fire. Fuller’s plans to upgrade the existing facilities towards the end of the year, to ensure the White Swan is fully operational for the start of the 2012 tourist season.
The purchase takes Fuller’s hotels estate to eight sites, in addition to the 16 Fuller’s Inns with bedrooms.
Simon Emeny, group managing director of Fuller’s, said: “Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful town, full of heritage, with great appeal to tourists and the White Swan has the potential to be a remarkable period hotel, making it a great addition to the Fuller’s estate. Its celebrated history and timeless appeal makes it a perfect fit for the company and we look forward to putting the Fuller’s stamp of quality on it.
“We will be making a significant investment in both the bedrooms and pub to bring it in line with Fuller’s premium offering ensuring outstanding cask conditioned ale, delicious food, great wines and engaging service, as well as beautiful modern accommodation in an historic listed building. This is the perfect time to expand in to Stratford, with the redevelopment of the RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which is just a stone’s throw away from the White Swan’s central location.”
