The Fat Badger, which has pubs in York and Harrogate, is opening at Whitby's Royal Hotel.
Harrogate-based HRH Group has announced that it will complete development in a year, calling it “one of the most exciting projects” since it began 15 years ago.
Managing director Simon Cotton told reporters: “This is the largest hotel the group currently owns, with a complete refurbishment of the current 116 bedrooms and redundancy to accommodate more brand new accommodation. A multi-million pound project including the transformation of the space has already begun.” By the end of next year, the hotel will have 150 bedrooms. ”
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The hotel's Dutch Bar, which closed nearly 30 years ago, is also undergoing a complete renovation and will reopen in the spring, along with a Fat Badger-branded bar and restaurant.
Mr Simon said: “HRH Group has been looking for properties on the Yorkshire coast for many years to fall within the group's current portfolio.”
“With a strong position in the leisure market and renowned for its outstanding destinations offering excellent accommodation and first-class food and drink, Royal Whitby is proud to offer our guests a city center location in the heart of York, in addition to our current location. We offer the option of a break in the spa town's popular destination of Harrogate, and a countryside break in the pretty North Yorkshire village of Kirkby Fleetham. ”
In York, HRH Group will open a new beer garden at the Guy Fawkes Inn, said to be York's “largest”, in November, with “stunning” views of the cathedral.
Construction will begin next door in January to add 14 luxury bedrooms to the 400-year-old coaching inn and is expected to be completed by June.
Simon said: “With the Grade I listed building and conservation area so close to the cathedral, it will be a project of over four years to open, but we are very proud to be able to do so.” We are bringing this dilapidated building back to life and offering something special to visitors to York. ”
After completing the Royal Whitby and Guy Fawkes projects, the company is planning a luxury lodge to complement the Black Horse Inn at Kirby Freetham.
In 2024, HRH Group won a number of awards including the York Press Business Awards in the Leisure and Hospitality category.
“This is recognition of the amazing team of people working across our business, and we aim to win even more awards in 2025.”
However, the company reported “excellent sales and trading performance”, although the hospitality industry “remains a highly competitive market” with rising costs being a major issue.
Mr Simon added: “Although the outlook is very positive for the start of 2025, there is no doubt that we will face challenges again next year due to additional National Insurance contributions.
“But as HRH Group, we are able to not only give our guests what they want, but to stand still and drive sales by adding rooms, adding space, and designing menus in a quick and efficient way. I believe that success is always the answer. ”
