A MAJOR hotel has changed hands in York city centre.

Following on from the acquisition of the Judge’s Lodging in York, Daniel Thwaites has bought Middletons Hotel - a 56-bedroom property spread over six Grade II-listed buildings, between Skeldergate and Cromwell Road.

The hotel is the largest single property within the city walls after the Minster, and has been built up by a local family over the past 40 years.

Rick Bailey, chief executive officer at Thwaites, said: "Middletons is an outstanding property in a stunning location and has a fascinating history.

"The Clark family have built up a unique asset over many years, with a wonderful local reputation and huge character, from a series of unused and almost derelict buildings.

"It is a well-run business and York is a strong market. We are delighted to have been able to acquire it and look forward to continuing to develop it over time."

This is the 16th hotel to be bought by Thwaites, since the company started buying in the early eighties.

Henny Clark said: "Middletons has been at the centre of our family all my life and we are delighted to be selling it to Daniel Thwaites, another company with strong family values.

"I am happy that the hotel has found a safe home in a company that will look after it as we have done and I wish them all the best for the future."

Mr Bailey said: "Middletons is joining our company at an exciting time, we were recently awarded AA Hotel Group of the Year and we have a strong pipeline of new openings – over the next year it will be joined by the Beverley Arms, Beverley, the Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge, the Royal, Heysham and Lodge at Solent, near Southampton, all of which are currently under development."