Tottington Manor acquired by Crown's Venues

Tottington Manor hotel near Henfield in West Sussex has been acquired by Crown's Venues and is set to reopen following investment by the new owner.

Crown's Venues acquired the property last month following the retirement of serial hotelier Bruce Stewart at the age of 93. Stewart placed the 12-bedroom property on the market in 2019 for £1.75m.

The property has been closed since March 2020 and is now set to reopen outdoors next week and then fully from 17 May as coronavirus restrictions ease.

Since acquiring the business, Crown's Venues have given the venue a facelift and prepared for outdoor table service with the addition of a marquee and outdoor seating to accommodate 250 customers.

The interior common rooms have all been refreshed, with a new bridal suite being installed this month. The menu and drinks offering have also been revisited.

This is the first venue for Crown's Venues, with plans to grow the group to four sites. Between them, the directors own a wedding marketing company, a Brighton pub and a barn wedding venue in West Sussex. Directors include Stephen and Helen Pomery, Jamie Kensett and Philip Fossey.