APEX Hotels has returned to the acquisition trail with a deal that further builds its presence in the country hotel market.
The Edinburgh-based firm has bought The Vineyard, an award-winning hotel on the outskirts of Newbury, West Berkshire, from Sir Peter Michael and family. The Vineyard has been hailed as a “magnet” for food and wine lovers since opening in 1998, and among numerous accolades was recently recognised with the newly created One Key award from the Michelin Guide.
Apex noted in a statement that through 26 years of ownership, two generations of Sir Peter’s family have “invested the passion, energy and resources required to run a family-owned establishment of such standing”.
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With a wine cellar of 30,000 bottles and 3,000 bins, it has drawn praise from wine critic Jancis Robinson, who described it as “a temple to wine from California”. Andrew Lloyd Weber was said to have commented: “Stay for a week and read the wine list”.
However, the statement noted that following a "generational change" and recent opening of The Post at nearby sister establishment Donnington Valley Hotel, the Michael family decided the time had come for new owners to take The Vineyard forward.
Sir Peter: “My wife Maggie and I wanted a local Michelin star style of restaurant and there was nothing in the area offering this so The Vineyard at Stockcross was born. We look forward to continuing to enjoy this special place under new ownership and wish Apex Hotels and the Springford family as much joy and success as we have witnessed over many years.”
The acquisition of The Vineyard follows deals by Apex to take over the Pine Trees in Pitlochry and Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire as part of a concerted push by the firm into the rural hotel market. Apex, which was founded by Norman Springfield in 1996, had built its name on hotels in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, London, and Bath.
Apex chief executive Angela Vickers said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the purchase of The Vineyard; this is a significant step in our journey to diversify our portfolio and create more choice for our guests.
“We have huge respect for what Sir Peter Michael and his family have achieved at The Vineyard over the years and, as a family business ourselves, we recognise the dedication, hard work and passion that goes into creating a first-class venue such as this. We look forward to taking on the reins of this fantastic hotel and wish Sir Peter and his team all the best for the future.”
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