Christie & Co instructed to market four hotels across England on behalf of Peel Hotels Ltd

Images: The Crown & Mitre Hotel in Carlisle, The Caledonian Hotel in Newcastle, The George Hotel in Wallingford, Oxfordshire and The Bull Hotel in Peterborough.

With a career spanning more than six decades, Robert Peel is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most accomplished hoteliers. Having started his career at 17 and trained in renowned European establishments, Robert has held senior leadership roles across some of London’s most prestigious hotels. In 1977, he was appointed Chief Executive of Mount Charlotte Investments, later overseeing its transformation, through significant acquisitions including the Thistle Hotels Group, into one of the largest full‑service hotel companies in the UK.

In 1998, Robert founded the eponymous Peel Hotels, and as he now enters his eighth decade, has decided to plan for his retirement and bring four hotels to the market.

The George Hotel in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, The Crown & Mitre Hotel in Carlisle, The Caledonian Hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle, and The Bull Hotel in Peterborough, are available individually or as a group. The sale presents an exceptional opportunity for operators and investors to acquire high‑quality full‑service assets with strong trading reputations, prime locations, and longstanding heritage under the stewardship of one of the UK’s most respected hoteliers.

The George Hotel is a 16th century Grade II listed coaching inn located in the historic market town of Wallingford. The property offers 39 en suite bedrooms, a 50‑cover restaurant, a bar, and two function suites including one accommodating up to 120 guests. Combining historic charm with modern amenities, the hotel benefits from proximity to Oxford, Reading, and strong regional transport links, attracting both leisure and corporate guests as well as weddings and social events.

The Crown & Mitre is an Edwardian hotel occupying a prominent position in Carlisle city centre, close to the Cathedral, railway station and major cultural landmarks. It features 91 en suite bedrooms, a 46‑cover restaurant, bar, and six function and banqueting suites, including a ballroom for up to 400 guests. Its scale, classical architecture, and strong event capabilities make it a key venue for conferences, celebrations and leisure stays in the region.

Situated on Osborne Road in the popular Jesmond district in Newcastle, The Caledonian Hotel is home to 89 en suite bedrooms, The Phoenix Bar & Restaurant, an alfresco terrace, and seven meeting and event rooms for up to 100 guests. Its location and amenities position it well for business travellers, leisure guests and local event organisers, with strong connectivity to Newcastle city centre, the airport and the wider North East.

The Bull Hotel, a 17th-century Grade II listed property, sits in a prime central location opposite Queensgate Shopping Mall in Peterborough. It offers 118 en suite bedrooms alongside a brasserie restaurant, bar, lounge areas and a secure enclosed car park. With five conference and event suites hosting up to 250 guests, the hotel is one of Peterborough’s most established venues for weddings, meetings and business events. It was also the founding acquisition on which Robert Peel established Peel Hotels Plc in 1998.

Robert Peel, Chairman of Peel Hotels Ltd, commented, “Having led one of the largest hotel groups in Europe, and then created Peel Hotels in 1998, the time has come for me to enjoy some well-deserved rest as I approach my eighth decade, particularly as I started in the hospitality trade at the age of 17.

“I believe that Peel Hotels offers really traditional, high-quality accommodation, our food and beverage offering is one of the best across the markets we operate in, and our hospitality team are second to none.

“As I prepare to wind down my direct involvement in running hotels, I can see the appeal for growing groups and owner operators to purchase these hotels along with their wonderful teams to build upon what I have created over recent decades. Along with all my staff, I am excited about what the next few months will offer as Christie & Co undertake their work.”

Jeremy Jones, Head of Brokerage – Hotels at Christie & Co, commented, “We are delighted to have been instructed to market these four hotels within Peel Hotels, which offer some of the best trading locations in their respective markets.

“Offering four-star full-service accommodation across Newcastle, Carlisle, Peterborough and Wallingford, these hotels are available individually or on a multiple basis and offer an exciting opportunity to build upon the strong reputation which Peel Hotels have created through ongoing investment and exceptional levels of service.

“We encourage interested parties to get in touch with us to discuss the opportunities further.”

Offers are being invited for the hotels. 

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