Cleethorpes’ iconic Kingsway Hotel is changing hands.
The seafront business, renowned for its fine dining and traditional standards, has been bought by a resort-based family, who have significant local property and business interests.
Husband and wife David and Jennifer Christian are taking it on in an undisclosed deal, adding it to the Tale of Two bar and restaurant business they own.
The Kingsway has been in the Harris family ownership for almost 100 years - since 1926 - with brothers David and Christopher running it in recent years.
Rumours of a sale emerged late last year but were strenuously denied at the time, with talks of a potential brand franchise heading for Cleethorpes. The Kingsway location beyond the Central Promenade and enviable footprint between two recent apartment developments, had added to speculation about what its future may be throughout the years, as the owners resisted modernisation, retaining a classic style lapped up by patrons.
It survived the arrival and expansion of Premier Inn, and now the Christians are understood to be keen to take it forward as a much-loved going concern.
Featuring 49 bedrooms - many looking out across the mouth of the Humber - with extensive dining and function facilities, it is regarded as something on an institution, and is consistently highly rated by guests and diners.
Through the decades it has hosted many a celebrity while playing venues in the area, and has benefited from the influx of offshore wind work as well as a strong regular and loyal tourist clientele.
Transferring to the new owners on July 31, it will remain closed throughout the summer for refurbishment of the public areas, with early September seen as a potential for re-opening, having closed under lockdown back in March.
It is understood next winter will see a larger overhaul programme taking in the bedrooms as it is readied for a full 2021 season.
All 40 staff have been retained according to Michael Searle, partner at Bridge McFarland, the law firm acting for the purchaser.
A spokesperson for the new owner said “they look forward to maintaining the traditions and standards of this iconic hotel,” with further details to be announced at a later date.
Having acted as private landlords of Tale of Two, they stepped forward to run the venue with management when operator Abbys Group - headed by Liz Parry - ended a four year tenure.
During that time the former Riverside bar and restaurant was doubled in size, absorbing an adjacent hotel.
