Marco Pierre White's Angel Hotel purchased by Cozy Pubs

Cozy Pubs has acquired The Angel in Lavenham, Suffolk, formerly operated by Marco Pierre White. The company has purchased the leasehold interest in the site from Colossus Inns, keeping it on track to hit its current growth target.

The acquisition comes at a time of steady growth for the company, which was set up in 2010 by Leanne Langman, Timothy Doyle and Paul Cutsforth.  Between them, they currently run The Eight Bells in Saffron Walden, The Cricketers Arms in Rickling Green, The Saracens Head Hotel and its sister business Saracens Fitness Gym in Great Dunmow. Leanne Langman, Director of Cozy Pubs, said:

“This is a cracking pub and we’re really pleased to have got it. There’s so much we can do here. We can’t wait to bring The Angel into the Cozy Pubs’ fold and give the whole place a new lease of life. We’re looking to invest £100,000 on a complete refurbishment of the pub to bring the hotel bedrooms up to the high standard we want, and bring the pub back to the town.”

Cozy Pubs has enjoyed consecutive years of sales growth since its inception in 2010.  Recently, accommodation revenue has been particularly strong with over 10% growth this year. The acquisition of The Angel is a statement of intent as the company looks for further expansion in the South of England.

“What we really want to do is to put the pub back into The Angel, with an emphasis on seasonal freshly prepared food and our own brand of warm, friendly Cozy hospitality,” said Leanne. “We will serve cask ales and premium lagers, alongside a carefully chosen wine list, quality spirits and a great choice of tea and coffee. Our kitchen will do good, honest home-made food, from steaks and sandwiches to sharing boards and top-notch Sunday roasts, all the elements of a great pub menu.”

The Angel Hotel is thought to be Lavenham’s oldest inn. The Angel still retains much of its Tudor character. After renovation in the 1990s, Marco Pierre White purchased the Suffolk-based pub and now, Cozy Pubs will add a new chapter to The Angel’s long history. 

By Tom Evans

@tevans43