Luxury Milton Keynes hotel announces reopening date and plans to create 60 new jobs

The Oakman Group announced today (March 26), it has acquired the Woburn Hotel after signing a 25-year lease with The Bedford Estates.

Plans are in place to reopen on May 17, in line with the third stage of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. Provided current Coronavirus trends remain on track regarding the vaccine rollout and containing infection rates, that's when indoor dining and pubs fully reopen nationally.

Oakman has already started the process of recruiting and is looking to create some 60 new jobs.

His Grace, the Duke of Bedford, said: “The Oakman Group has a proven track record over many years as high-quality operators. They also have a reputation as a business that builds relationships with local communities and their Chairman, Peter Borg-Neal, knows Woburn well - indeed, he used to live on the Estate. I am confident Oakman will safeguard our historic values whilst delivering a contemporary and hospitable offering of which we can all be proud.”

The Woburn Hotel, is an 18th century building with 48 luxury bedrooms and seven individual cottages within the grounds, the Woburn Hotel, also has a a restaurant and a large bar. Conference space is also available to be booked, the property has three separate spaces for such events.

The hotel provides good access to popular attractions, for post-lockdown activities like the Woburn Safari Park and the internationally famous golf club, there is even a Centre Parcs on the Estate making it an important leisure destination. Woburn Abbey is of course also on the doorstep for customers, who are keen to visit the gardens and see the famous property.

Peter Borg-Neal, The Oakman Group Chairman, commented: “Unsurprisingly, there was considerable interest in this wonderful property, and we are delighted and honoured that His Grace has put his trust in us. At Oakman we work with a number of Estates and we have always built strong and mutually beneficial relationships with them.”

The Woburn Hotel becomes the 34th and largest property in the Oakman Group portfolio, it's the 13th hotel the company have bought. The Oakman Group predominantly own pubs and have eight set to open in Bucks next month.

Dermot King, Chief Executive Officer of the Oakman Group, said: “Following our acquisition of The Seafood Pub Company, this represents another major step in delivering our vision for the business. The Woburn Hotel represents a significant addition to our existing portfolio which contains many historical coaching inns and remarkable buildings. The Woburn Hotel’s history and strategic position in Bedfordshire make it a superb venue for both the leisure and business traveller.

"The Woburn Hotel has the advantage of being only twenty minutes from Luton Airport and only ten minutes from the commercial centre of Milton Keynes.”