Northumberland leisure developers Doxford Group are planning to open three new sites including a luxury spa and a venture in Bamburgh.
The company, which owns Doxford Barns and Charlton Hall, near Alnwick, Northumberland, announced the plans after releasing record-breaking financial results following a post-Covid bounceback. Consolidated accounts published by the business – launched with its inaugural wedding and event venue Doxford Barns in 2015 – show net revenue rose to £3.9m, compared to pre-pandemic levels of £1.6m, while Ebitda grew from £0.6m pre-Covid to £1.5m.
It said wedding bookings for 2023 are also the highest in the group’s history, despite the prevalent economic uncertainty. The growing hospitality firm is set to open its third venue this year – The Tempus, a boutique venue within the ground of its 150-acre country estate near Alnwick, with the decor taking its inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s famous story Alice in Wonderland.
Read more: Tyneside property firm Zebra Leisure Lease to expand
The group has also revealed more exciting plans on the horizon, fueled by a recent £7m funding package from NatWest, positioning the group for further expansion. The Tempus will comprise of 15 guest bedrooms including one boutique suite and two junior suites on the second floor and views of the private 150-acre country estate.
Looking ahead, the company is remaining tightlipped on its forthcoming additions to the group for now, but promises exciting plans ahead.
Director Mark Gubbins said: “Our recent financial performance wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing team and their past efforts have given us a fantastic platform to launch yet more exciting venues. While we’re all focussed on making the Tempus the place to be, plans are already in place to open a further wedding venue in the near future situated in our Walled Garden at Charlton Hall, in addition to an exciting new venture in the popular village of Bamburgh.
“Finally, plans are being undertaken to create a luxurious spa which will outrival any in the North of England so it’s certainly going to be a busy, and exciting, few years at The Doxford Group.”
Managing director and owner Richard Shell said: “It’s a very exciting time for us here at The Doxford Group with the launch of the Tempus. Since opening our wedding and events venue, Charlton Hall back in 2017, my vision has been to expand our offering and guest experience - whether it be in the form of an overnight stay, celebration event, intimate dining experience or a tipple or two in our hotel bar – something we can now offer thanks to The Tempus.
"We have seen a significant rise in demand for overnight stays in the area with Northumberland becoming a popular hotspot for holidaymakers and tourists all year round. The addition of The Tempus will increase the number of guests we can sleep on site to 86 and the new bar and restaurant will provide an exciting new culinary address for the area and all of Northumberland.”
READ NEXT
- 10 questions for Michelle Robinson of Stantec
- North East business life: charity, community and award events in the region
- Read more North East business news here
- Beau’s Ice Cream Parlour Ltd collapsed owing creditors more than £300k
- learwater Developments transforms hall into homes thanks to £770k funding
