Doxford Group to create new North East hotel after £5.7m funding deal

Northumberland-based hospitality group The Doxford Group has secured a £5.7million funding package from the NatWest to bolster its current lead offering in the wedding, private functions and luxurious accommodation sectors.

The Doxford group currently runs two award-winning venues in Alnwick, Charlton Hall Estate and Doxford Barns which will expand.

Now the Charlton Hall Estate is to be expanded to a new 15-bedroom hotel, regency restaurant and bar, due to open early next year as part of plans to strengthen existing services and develop an interdepartmental property under Natwest's funding arrangements.

Owner Richard Shell started 2017 at Doxford Barns, which would build a barn wedding scene, much like it had become popular in southern Britain.

Doxford Barns, completed in 2017, is reportedly being expanded with NatWest's backing by adding seven new bedrooms as well as a bridal boutique providing exclusive access and event reception areas.

Development will begin in the year ahead.

Richard Shell of the Doxford Group, owner and chief executive officer, said: "This is a monumental moment for The Doxford Group as it allows us to deliver on the short-term projects we've been working on for several months including the launch of our new hotel at Charlton Hall Estate, making it a leisure destination in Northumberland like no other, as well as our plans to develop Doxford Barns.