Second purchase strengthens weddings and functions capability
Pub operator Brakspear is expanding its Honeycomb Houses managed division with the acquisition of The Kings Head in Cirencester, a large town centre hotel, restaurant and functions venue. The purchase follows hot on the heels of the recent acquisition of The Redesdale Arms in Moreton-in-Marsh and takes the total estate up to 12 sites.
Originally a 14th century coaching inn, The Kings Head is an imposing, three-storey building in the town’s Market Square and is listed as a site of special architectural and historical interest. Original features including oak beams and open fireplaces have been retained throughout, blended with contemporary design.
The Kings Head comprises 66 bedrooms, a restaurant and several events spaces. It has an established, sizeable weddings and events business, offering ceremonies for up to 150 guests in its Assembly Room, or for 80 people on its roof terrace. The building also provides other spaces for celebrations and functions of all sizes, including charming, paneled rooms and two beautiful vaulted cellars.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said: “The Kings Head is a multi-faceted business that strengthens our offer in the Cotswolds, particularly for weddings and functions. With 66 bedrooms, it also becomes our biggest site with accommodation.
“We have built a successful weddings and events business at The Frogmill near Cheltenham and with the addition of The Kings Head, alongside our existing site The Egypt Mill near Stroud, Honeycomb Houses now has a strong proposition for guests wanting to wed or celebrate in the Cotswolds.
“It’s not just about functions though; The Kings Head is a popular destination for weekend breaks, and for drinking and dining in central Cirencester. We’re excited to be bringing this exceptional business into the Honeycomb Houses family, and looking forward to welcoming guests with our trademark relaxed, attentive service in a ‘home from home’ atmosphere.”
The site will close for five days to allow the introduction of the Honeycomb Houses summer menu, and for training of the existing pub teams. Honeycomb Houses team members receive access to a range of benefits including the Chef’s Academy, Talent Hive, apprenticeships and monthly reward and recognition.
The Kings Head was purchased from administrators.
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Notes to editor
Brakspear’s Honeycomb Houses managed division was founded in 2013 with the opening of The Bell on Bull Street in Henley-on-Thames. The estate has grown through acquisition and transfers from Brakspear’s leased & tenanted division, and now comprises 12 pubs.
In Henley-on-Thames
- Bull on Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames: Brakspear’s first managed pub, opened in 2013 just yards from the site of the original Brakspear brewery founded in 1711.
In the Cotswolds
- Frogmill, Shipton Oliffe near Cheltenham: reopened with major investment in 2018. Historic pub, restaurant and boutique bedrooms with a wedding and events business, set in extensive grounds. Winner of the National Pub & Bar of the Year Award 2022.
- George Townhouse, Shipston-on-Stour: Grade II listed building with bedrooms.
- Sheep on Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold: contemporary bar and restaurant with bedrooms promising to bring a ‘slice of London to the Cotswolds’.
- Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold: believed to be the oldest pub in the country, with parts dating back to 947AD. Grade 2* listed building with bedrooms.
- Egypt Mill, Nailsworth near Stroud: converted mill with riverside dining, bedrooms and a wedding and functions business.
- The Redesdale Arms, Moreton-in-Marsh: traditional pub offering accommodation in 35 rooms across the main building and converted stable blocks.
- The Kings Head, Cirencester: historic town centre hotel with 66 bedrooms and a sizeable weddings and events business.
Other locations
- Nag’s Head, Abingdon: iconic Oxfordshire pub, set on its own island halfway across Abingdon Bridge, with extensive gardens and a barge bar.
- The Lion, Wendlebury, Bicester: food-led pub with bedrooms, close to Bicester Shopping Park.
- The Chequers, Marlow: busy High Street pub and restaurant with bedrooms.
- The White Bear, Warlingham, Surrey: historic country pub with breathtaking views
of the surrounding countryside.
Issued on behalf of: Brakspear
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