MORE than 120 jobs are on offer at four North Yorkshire hotels which are set to reopen a year after they went into administ-ration as part of Shearings Hotels.

Harrogate's Hotel St George, the Royal Hotel, Whitby and the New Southlands and Norbreck hotels in Scarborough are part of the new Coast & Country Hotel Collection, featuring former Shearings Hotels.

Under new ownership and following a hotel management agreement with Bespoke Hotels, the properties are set to reopen from May 17 onwards, with more than 120 jobs on offer.

Paul FitzGerald, portfolio managing director, said: “Given the enormous challenges of the last few months, we’re delighted to bring these properties back to market. Integral parts of North Yorkshire’s hotel offering, we know their initial closure was felt keenly among their communities. With reopening plans in place, we’re able to offer not just jobs and wider tourism opportunities, but hospitality services people can engage with as restrictions lift.”

He continued: “With the country having been unable to enjoy the delights of hospitality for so long, everyone is eager to enjoy themselves post lockdown, and as people are starting to realise these properties are reopening, we’re already seeing keen interest to book – something that bodes really well for their future success.”

Paul added: “Our renewed focus with reopening is on attracting those seeking leisure breaks and welcoming local residents to sample the restaurants, bars, and wedding and event spaces on offer as we look to restore the hotels to local hero status and develop a close bond with communities.”

Other hotels within the collection are spread across 33 leisure destinations in England, Scotland and Wales and includes properties such as the Windermere Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, The Caledonian in Fort William, the Highlands and The Ship & Castle in St Mawes, Cornwall.

Many of the hotels, are within areas close to coastal or rural attractions and offer clients a base to visit established regional tourist attractions or take part in active outdoor pursuits including so much in demand after months of lockdown.

Planned reopening dates vary depending on location.

Thomas Greenall, Managing Director of Bespoke Hotels, said: “Coast & Country Hotel Collection is made up of some prominent local hotels in some wonderful and well-established leisure locations and we’re thrilled to be able to facilitate their reopening. We know the initial closures of many of these properties caused a real stir in their local communities last year, so we hope they’ll be keen to embrace their reopening and support the individual hotels in their endeavours.”

He added: “We hope this will be regarded as a very positive move for the industry – delivering jobs, support for communities and vital trade for suppliers and ancillary businesses.”

As part of reopening, Coast & Country has sought to actively re-employ previous staff, whilst also looking to offer new roles to those keen to join the hospitality industry and provide much needed jobs for people across the UK.