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Hotel group buys York restaurant – and plans multi-million investment in city

A hospitality business has announced it has bought a York restaurant and is set to invest tens of millions in its city venues.

The Splendid Hospitality Group (SHG), one of the region’s largest and most established hospitality companies, already employs over 350 people in the area.

And after recently unveiling its upgraded Ibis Styles hotel on The Mount, it has announced more major investment in York.

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The Grade II listed Ibis Styles York reopened earlier this summer with a major new look, including 16 extra bedrooms and a comprehensive refurbishment.

Splendid has also announced plans to spend £2.5m creating luxury city centre spa at flagship five-star York hotel The Grand.

John Holroyd, the general manager at the upgraded Ibis Styles York. Photograph: YorkMix
The Grand York. Photograph: YorkMix
A visual of how the spa could look. Photograph: Supplied
Yemen Heaven, York. Photograph: YorkMix

This will be followed by a multi-million pound rolling programme of refurbishment to its other venues, both in the guest rooms and food and drink areas.

The group is also buying 98 Walmgate, currently operating as restaurant Yemen Heaven.

It is next door to the group’s Hotel Indigo York. “SHG is exploring using the restaurant to enable the creation of an expanded accommodation and food and beverage offering,” a spokesperson for Splendid Hospitality Group said.

SHG also recently acquired 37 Tanner Row, a Grade II listed building, with a view to converting the property into luxury hotel suites for long stay guests.

It was on the market for more than £2.7 million.

Originally built as The George Hotel in the 1850s, guests will be able to access the wider facilities of The Grand, York which is in close proximity.

7 Tanner Row, York. Photograph: YorkMix

Additionally, the group is exploring changes to the site plan for Holiday Inn Express York, which it acquired in 2008.

It is considering adding extra bedrooms to satisfy the continuing high levels of demand from both business and leisure guests.

“Plans are also afoot to upgrade the public areas to the highly innovative new Holiday Inn Express design,” the spokesperson said.

“York has emerged as one of the most celebrated destinations in the UK, and our investment is not just financial, it’s a commitment to creating a positive impact for the next generation and is a statement of intent,” said Nadeem Boghani, executive chairman of SHG.

“As a family-owned business, we are focused on creating lasting impact through regeneration, entrepreneurialism, high-quality hospitality and meaningful job creation that benefits both the local community and visitors alike.

Nadeem Boghani, executive chairman of Splendid Hospitality Group. Photograph: YorkMix

These projects reflect Splendid Hospitality Group’s deep-rooted investment and commitment to York, and our ongoing mission to support local growth and create exceptional guest experiences.”