A 12th century Warwickshire hotel has experienced a record year of growth after hosting more than 1,500 events – the most in its 21 year history.
More than 65,000 guests have visited Brinklow-based Coombe Abbey for a host of public, private, business and leisure events such as medieval banquets, weddings, conferences and Christmas parties.
Afternoon teas recorded the biggest growth across all events held at the former Cistercian Abbey, rising by 36 per cent after serving hours were extended and the menu developed to include both savoury and vegan options.
However weddings continue to be the most popular functions at the venue, with nearly 200 staged in the last year catering for over 15,000 guests – a nine per cent increase on the previous year.
The hotel has also built its presence and reputation in the business events market, increasing delegate numbers by 13 per cent and hosting more than 250 conferences in its meeting and conference halls.
The most popular year in Coombe Abbey’s 21 year history as a hotel has also created 40 new jobs, taking the total number of staff to more than 280 to meet the extra demand.
Plans have also been submitted to extend its popular wedding facilities. The hotel hopes to launch an external wedding venue in the parkland later in the year, which will have a stone structure and overlook the picturesque lake and gardens.
Ron Terry (front row) with the Coombe Abbey hotel team
Ron Terry, general manager of Coombe Abbey, said: “We are thrilled with these figures which not only reveal Coombe Abbey’s significant growth over its twentieth year, but are a representation of its growing reputation as a unique venue of choice for both leisure and business guests.
“As business demand has grown we have also received more recognition on a regional and national scale, as well as within the industry.
“This is reflected by the string of awards we have won or been shortlisted for, such as the Coventry and Warwickshire Tourism and Culture Awards where we took home the Best Hotel title.
“Meetings and events trade body, M&IT, has also shortlisted us for three titles including Best UK Unusual Venue, and at the beginning of the year we also received news that we had received Gold Standard Accreditation by leading market research consultancy, BDRC Continental.
“Coombe Abbey was the only privately-owned business to receive the accreditation which recognises venues that record the highest standard of customer satisfaction.
“The high levels of customer appreciation and satisfaction are also evident on TripAdvisor, where Coombe Abbey is the number one ranked independent hotel in Coventry and Warwickshire.”
“As we look further into 2016 and beyond the team is working hard to continue building on this growth by consistently providing a fantastic experience and customer service.
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