UCL to launch boutique hotel chain

Pub and restaurant operator, Urban & Country Leisure (UCL), is to launch a new boutique hotel chain in the UK. The first property, the former Globe Hotel in Warwick, now renamed The Lazy Cow, is expected to open later this year.
UCL has invested £1.5 million in the 16-bedroom site, with each bedroom designed and themed by interior design consultancy Tibbatts Kirk Abel. The hotel is part of an aggressive two-year strategy plan that will see UCL open a further ten small boutique hotels. In addition, the group is planning to expand its pub and restaurant estate by opening another 12 sites in 2011/12.
UCL is owned by entrepreneur Ross Saunders who said: “The Lazy Cow is the first of what we hope to establish as a chain of small, intimate, stylish boutique hotels that have a strong accent on quality accommodation, stylish interiors with exceptional food and drink offerings.
“Our aim is to provide the best possible accommodation offering to the tourist, business and destination weekend break markets.”