Positive changes are underway at the iconic White Hart Hotel in Lincoln’s historic Bailgate, with the recent appointment of a new General Manager and an imminent programme for a full transformation of the hotel with a sensitive and comprehensive refurbishment scheme.
The hotel’s owner, local businessman Andrew Long, said: “Since acquiring the White Hart Hotel in July 2022, the intention has always been to maximise the full trading potential and to enhance the status of the full range of facilities. Our extensive refurbishment will respect the centuries of heritage in the building and its exceptional location.
“To now have a confirmed date for the commencement of the works is very exciting for the future of the White Hart, as well as a further ‘milestone’ for Lincoln’s historic Bailgate and the surrounding Uphill area.
“We believe that the hotel will become one of the very best in the region, as well as remaining a popular and welcoming venue for our loyal guests, many of whom have known the hotel for several decades and generations.”
The hotel will close for the extensive refurbishment and improvement works for three months from 1st March and is scheduled for reopening in June. The work will include a complete refurbishment and ‘refit’ of the main Lounge Bar, as well as the addition of a new Club Bar and a relocated Reception. At the same time, the contractors will complete a sensitive refurbishment of the ground and first floor function rooms, inclusive of the former Orangery / Eastgate Suite and King Richard Room.
There will also be a significant reconfiguration of the Restaurant, which will be ‘rebranded’ and re-launched in July. This will include an impressive new frontage onto Bailgate, appropriately elevating the venue as a sophisticated ‘special occasion’ dining destination in its own right, offering high standards of cuisine with extensive use of local produce.
Six bedrooms will be re-launched at the start of June, with the other 44 bedrooms and suites to be refurbished in a ‘rolling programme’ throughout the remainder of the year.
There is also a full re-branding project being undertaken in conjunction with renowned illustrator Chris Mitchell (who has been instrumental in many iconic designs for world-famous brands), which has already commenced in readiness for the reopening of the hotel.
Paul Noble joined the team as new General Manager in mid-January, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the White Hart. Having worked in hotels and restaurants across the country, ranging from country houses to some of London’s finest eateries, he will oversee the preparation for the reopening in conjunction with the senior members of the full project team.
Paul said: “There’s nowhere quite like the White Hart and the uniqueness of this hotel is something which I’m very excited about. The world class location and the future potential are what have drawn me to this role and it’s going to be one of the most sought-after Cathedral city hotels in the country once the refurbishment has taken place.”
Andrew added: “Paul brings a huge amount of experience and energy to the role of General Manager. His appointment will be instrumental to the full delivery of our objectives to create a substantial jewel in Lincoln’s crown.”
Interior design concepts are being handled by the nationally renowned DO Design team. Director, Sarah Daniels, said: “Visiting Lincoln and the White Hart, we were struck by the need to reflect the heritage and innate features that may have been lost over time through previous renovations. We want to bring back a deep, warm feel and the colours and aesthetic choices we’ve planned will give a look that is both sympathetic to the building’s history without taking it back in time.
“This will also be supported by a suitable choice of varied furniture and antiques.”
Building work is to be undertaken by the Lindum Group in conjunction with many other Lincoln-based companies, project managed by Luxury Hotel Management, working in conjunction with John Robert Architects, Building & Quantity specialists P&BC, together with Banks, Long & Co.
