Historic resort to shut in UK metropolis after 161 years – ‘deeply upsetting | UK | News | EUROtoday

The historic Grosvenor Hotel in Chester has supplied an replace after confirming it’ll shut its doorways in September 2026. Bespoke Hotels, the corporate managing the Grade II listed constructing subsequent to the enduring Eastgate Clock, knowledgeable employees of the choice final week following the invention of unsafe concrete (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) above the resort’s operate suites. The constructing, which dates again to 1865, will stay open and ‘function as regular’ for the following six months, the resort has now revealed.

The resort is a cherished a part of the town’s historical past and can shut its doorways on September 30, marking the top of an period for Chester. While the constructing dates again to 1865, there was an inn on this web site for the reason that late sixteenth century. Over the years, the five-star resort has develop into well-known for its distinctive service and has hosted many friends, weddings and afternoon teas.

Guests have lengthy loved the resort’s eating choices, together with La Brasserie, a glamorous 2 AA Rosette restaurant with all-day eating and a Champagne Bar, and Arkle, a 3 AA Rosette high-quality eating restaurant. The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor additionally gives a variety of conventional, modern and holistic therapies in addition to a thermal suite with crystal steam room, salt grotto, sauna, foot baths and rest lounge.

In an announcement supplied to Cheshire Live final week, Bespoke Hotels who’ve been operating the resort since 2015, stated: “Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

“As a end result, it’s our intention to shut the resort on September 30 2026. Our instant focus is on supporting our colleagues within the weeks forward.

“We closed our conference suites after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) during recent surveys. The safety of our guests and colleagues is of the utmost importance and the affected area will remain closed as a precaution. All other public areas of the hotel, as well as the car park, are unaffected and continue to operate as normal.”

The resort has since supplied an replace. The resort stated it had “taken a moment to pause out of respect for our team” and expressed gratitude for the messages of help it had obtained. The resort confirmed it’ll proceed to function as regular for the following six months and friends have been inspired to take advantage of the remaining months.

In an Instagram put up shared on Friday, March 28, the resort stated: “Over the past few days, we’ve taken a moment to pause out of respect for our team following the announcement of our closure on 30th September 2026.

“We’ve been extremely touched by the kindness and help in your messages. So a lot of our crew have given years – some even many years – to The Chester Grosvenor, and our focus now’s on supporting them by the months forward.

“For the next six months, The Chester Grosvenor will continue to operate as normal with the iconic service, warmth and unforgettable style that have shaped so many cherished moments.

“In the approaching weeks, we’ll be sharing how one can expertise The Chester Grosvenor within the months forward, together with the right way to redeem reward vouchers and ebook stays or eating. We invite you to create lasting recollections with us as we mark this last chapter collectively – honouring the individuals who have made it so significant.”

One Instagram user reacted to the news: “We have stayed on the resort for a few years on so many particular events, and it’s the rationale we love Chester! My ideas are with all the great employees.”

Another individual wrote: “Very unhappy. We have been married at The Chester Grosvenor in 2001. It’s a really particular place.”

Fellow hotel Crowne Plaza Chester also commented on the closure: “A really iconic a part of Chester. Sending help to your crew as you navigate the months forward. Your influence on the town and its folks gained’t be forgotten.”

Someone else added: “The Grosvenor IS Chester! It’s iconic. What an enormous loss. Sending like to all of the really great employees that made it such an exquisite expertise for thus many.”

In a letter despatched to employees by chief working officer Richard Grove and seen by Cheshire Live when the closure was introduced, he stated: “Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

“As a result it is our intention to close the hotel on September 30, 2026. We recognise that this decision will be deeply upsetting and may lead to the loss of jobs for many colleagues, and will impact our customers and guests, that you have given great service to over many years.

“This will not be a call we’ve taken frivolously, and it’s by no means a mirrored image of the efficiency of the crew. We absolutely respect the influence it’ll have on you and your households. Our instant focus is on supporting you thru this course of, and we shall be sharing additional info shortly about what this implies for you and help out there.”