The Stroud Hotel is set to reopen on 10 November under new ownership after a week-long closure to introduce Brakspear’s systems and operating model.
Brakspear has acquired the landmark hotel opposite Stroud railway station and is bringing it into its managed Honeycomb Houses division. The company said the takeover would be an “evolution, not a revolution”, with the existing employee team remaining in place.
What is changing at The Stroud Hotel?
The hotel will operate under the Honeycomb Houses brand, which has now grown to 13 sites. Brakspear said it would introduce its seasonally changing food menus, with planned dishes including slow-cooked pork belly, heritage beef shin, pan-roasted salmon and Sunday roasts.
The drinks range is also set to include premium beers, cask ales from Brakspear’s relaunched range, wines, spritzes and cocktails.
Despite the change in ownership, the hotel’s existing offer is expected to continue. The business has 24 en-suite bedrooms, including five suites, as well as a restaurant, bar and function facilities.
Brakspear said the hotel is already accepting bookings for festive dining, Christmas Day celebrations and Christmas and New Year breaks. It also said the hotel’s existing customers should see “business as usual” across food and functions.
A Grade II-listed Stroud landmark
The building was constructed between 1862 and 1863 and was originally known as The Imperial Hotel. It was designed by Benjamin Bucknall, a Victorian neo-Gothic architect.
Brakspear said retaining the building’s character and existing workforce would be central to its plans. Chief executive Tom Davies described the hotel as an “iconic business within the town” and said the family-owned operator took its responsibilities as the building’s new custodian seriously.
“We’re delighted to be taking on The Stroud Hotel, which is an iconic business within the town.”
Davies said the acquisition complemented Brakspear’s established presence in the area and across the Cotswolds. The company already operates The Egypt Mill Hotel in Nailsworth and The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester.
Expansion for Honeycomb Houses
The acquisition follows what Brakspear described as a successful year for Honeycomb Houses. The division recorded a 23% increase in turnover during 2025, alongside like-for-like growth of 7%.
The reopening will give local customers access to the hotel’s restaurant, bar, accommodation and event facilities under the new brand. The business has not announced any reduction in staffing, with the existing team expected to remain at the hotel.
