The 33-bedroom Diglis House Hotel, one of Worcester’s best-known riverside landmarks, has been sold by leading hotel and leisure specialists Graham + Sibbald for an undisclosed sum by way of a share-sale transaction to local entrepreneur Darren Eden who will operate the hotel under his established regional hospitality business Spirit Ventures.
Occupying a prime trading position overlooking the River Severn, Diglis House Hotel has been owned and operated by Seymour Hotels Limited since 1994. Under the stewardship of Julia Seymour, the property has become one of the city’s most admired independent hotels.
Julia Seymour commented:
“Over the years our vision was to transform this sad old Inn in to a stately quality Hotel enhancing the riverside. It has been suggested it was the front runner in the regeneration of the Diglis Basin area, which is now a bustling and desirable place. It has been my honour to be a small part of this evolution to the City of Worcester. We take this opportunity to wish Darren, all the Diglis Family and Friends good fortune and success for the future!”
The hotel features an elegant bar and restaurant, conference and banqueting facilities for up to 140 guests, and beautifully maintained riverside gardens and terraces offering popular alfresco drinking and dining space in the summer months.
Founded on deep regional roots, Spirit Ventures has expanded steadily across the Midlands and brings substantial experience in hospitality and leisure operations.
Darren Eden, Chief Executive of Spirit Ventures, said:
“My team and I are delighted to welcome Diglis House Hotel and the team to our family of businesses. Diglis House dovetails perfectly with our other hotels, the AA 5* rated Angel Hotel in Pershore and Colwall Park Hotel near Malvern. We are excited to take the business forward to the next chapter in its rich journey and follow in the footsteps of Julia who did a fantastic job in creating the Diglis we know today.”
The grade II listed Diglis House dates back to the early 1600s and was extensively re-built and extended in the Georgian era. It later became home to Edward Leader Williams, chief engineer to the Severn Navigation Commission. Recognised as one of the first hotels in Worcester registered as an inn in the early 1900s, today it offers a refined blend of historic charm and contemporary design.
Speaking about the sale, Martin Davis, Partner at Graham + Sibbald, said:
“It has been a pleasure working with Julia on the successful sale of the Diglis House Hotel. Julia has created a truly outstanding hotel business, and we’re confident that Darren and his new team are well placed to continue to take the business forward and into the future.
The transaction underscores the continued investor appetite for well-located, high-quality hotel assets across England and the UK, particularly those with strong trading histories and established reputations.”
The Diglis House Hotel will continue to operate as normal, with staff and guests assured of a smooth transition under the new ownership.
For further information, please contact:
Martin Davis
Graham + Sibbald
T: 07840 022 259
E: martin.davis@g-s.co.uk
