Lawrence Hoskins, owner of the George of Stamford, dies aged 82

Hotelier Lawrence Hoskins has passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82.

The hotelier passed away unexpectedly on 15 March. Hoskins owned the 45-bedroom historic George of Stamford hotel in Stamford, Lincolnshire, running it with his wife Andrea. He remained hands-on with the business, which he bought over 50 years ago, until his death earlier this week.

A statement on the hotel website reads: “It is with huge sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Hoskins peacefully, though unexpectedly, in his sleep at home on 15 March 2023.

“It would be his foremost wish that the George of Stamford continues to flourish in safe hands in his wake, echoing his passion for the hotel and all those associated with it. His pride in owning such an iconic establishment was immeasurable. So… ‘Business as usual, and onward and upward’.”

Philip Newman-Hall, former general manager of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and ambassador for Hospitality Action, was employed by Hoskins as GM of the George of Stamford in 1987.

He described how Hoskins built the hotel into the “heart of the community”. Parts of the building date back to the 16th century when it was a coaching inn and it has two restaurants: the à la carte Oak Room, and the Garden Room bistro.

“Both Hoskins and the managing director at the time, Ivo Vannocci, created a concept where you would never say no. Everyone in Stamford had their special event at the George and if a guest wanted something, you did it. I learned that very much from them.”

He added: “It was my second general manager position and it was a completely different type of hotel, where food was at the heart of the operation and everything revolved around the kitchen. This was such a new concept to me, and pretty revolutionary for the time. I wouldn’t have done a number of things later on in my career had I not had this experience at the George.”

Hoskins is survived by his wife Andrea and three children from a previous marriage.