Nottingham’s Lace Market Hotel To re-open under new ownership

The Lace Market Hotel will finally open its doors at the end of October, following completion of its sale earlier in September. The new management company, Compass Hospitality, has already appointed the new senior team which is currently co-ordinating a refurbishment project that will see the hotel reclaim its position as a unique boutique dining and leisure destination in The East Midlands. A total investment approaching £600k (including £300k initially invested by previous owners AG Higginson & Sons Ltd) will ensure that the restaurant, cocktail bar, rooms and suites will be ready and resplendent for reveal on opening day. The interior design will focus on retaining the grandeur of the Georgian townhouse and its period features with a touch of modern luxury and chic style expected of the best independent hotels. But the style will also be quirky and very individual. The adjacent Cock & Hoop pub will also be ready to open its doors with a new menu featuring the very best of British pub fare. New General Manager, Denny Keane, has moved to Nottingham from the Sky City Hotel in Auckland to take up the position but he has experience of working in the UK before at The Abode Exeter working with Michael Caines. Originally from Melbourne, his career in the hospitality industry has included positions in some of the most renowned 5 star venues across the world: “My first impression of the Lace Market Hotel was that it was simply a stunning building and truly the iconic city landmark that had been described to me. I want it to realise its potential and restore its position. We plan for it to be sophisticated, chic and aspirational at every level but still approachable and accessible, to let the beautiful charm of the building be at the heart of the hotel and its look. My standards are ridiculously high and I want to create something amazing here. We want local people and businesses to pop in for an early morning meeting and be served with coffee (that will be roasted just a couple of miles down the road) or a late night drink (we’ll have great great wines) and anything in between. “I have been completely bowled over by the city – the people, its history and personality. It’s a pretty easy place to fall in love with. In fact it feels very familiar to me and reminds me hugely of my home city of Melbourne - very independent and progressive and at the forefront of a regional food and drink revival.” New Head Chef, Ben Chaplin, is also in place, busy meeting with local suppliers and putting the final touches to menu choices. For Ben, this is a very welcome return to his home town – he grew up on his grandparents’ mushroom farm in Kinoulton and his parents were involved with the hospitality industry in the city. He has worked for Malmaison in Leeds and also with Michelin star chef, Aiden Byrne at The Church Green in Lymm where he was Head Chef and involved with the development kitchen for Manchester House. “I felt it was time to come back to Nottingham and The Lace Market Hotel provided just the right opportunity at the right time. I still have a large family here and a young family myself so it really feels like I am coming home. I want to build a strong team around me and rebuild Merchants at Lace Market Hotel as the best dining experience in the city, with a cooking technique that will be market leading. So as you would expect the focus is on quality - of everything – menu choice, ingredients and also drinks and service. “We want to make the city proud of what we achieve here.” The hotel, when fully open, will have created 42 jobs in the heart of the Creative Quarter and there are plans to build partnerships with local colleges through work experience and apprenticeship schemes. “We are intent on becoming an integral part of Nottingham and acting as an Ambassador for the city. Whether that be attracting national and international guests or supporting local plans to promote the city. We want to be part of the community and be called upon for our support and help whenever needed. Boutique, independent and situated in the hip creative quarter, an area steeped in history and oozing culture, the Lace Market Hotel is set to make a bold statement on the Nottingham food, drink and hotel scene. With expectation and anticipation set to be high, the wait will be short for guests to fall in love all over again. PHOTO: (l - r) New General Manager, Denny Keane at The Lace Market Hotel with new Head Chef, Ben Chaplin.