An esteemed hotel in one of the UK’s most picturesque and underrated cities is set to shut down, potentially leading to job losses for all staff. The historic Grosvenor Hotel in Chester city center will cease operations in September, according to reports. Bespoke Hotels, the management company overseeing the Grade II listed hotel near the iconic Eastgate Clock, delivered the surprising news to employees recently.
The decision to close the hotel stems from the discovery of unsafe concrete above the function suites in the 1865 building. Bespoke Hotels, in a statement to Cheshire Live, explained that the necessary extensive repairs and refurbishments, coupled with the complexity of addressing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) issues, prompted the difficult choice to cease operations.
The closure date has been set for September 30, 2026. The hotel’s conference suites are already closed due to the RAAC findings, prioritizing the safety of guests and staff. However, other public areas of the hotel and the car park remain unaffected and continue to operate normally.
Staff members expressed deep sadness over the closure news. A letter from Chief Operating Officer Richard Grove to the employees acknowledged the challenging decision and its potential impact on jobs and service quality. The management aims to support the staff through the upcoming changes and will provide further details on available assistance.
The Grosvenor Estate had appointed Bespoke to manage The Chester Grosvenor in 2015. Plans are now in progress to revamp the hotel and secure a new operator to ensure its long-term viability in Chester, a city known for its charm and appeal to both residents and visitors. A Lady In London, a popular travel guide, has lauded Chester as one of the UK’s hidden gems, highlighting its beauty and allure.
Tourists can explore Chester’s winding streets, Roman Walls, and the over 1000-year-old Chester Cathedral with its remarkable historic architecture and medieval mosaics. The city also hosts the largest outlet village in the country, housed in a medieval gallery, and the renowned Chester Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals across extensive grounds, including the recently introduced sunrise view safari lodges for adventurous visitors.