The Hand Hotel in Chirk is to reopen after Wrexham-based TLC Holdings bought the freehold to the premises with plans to renovate the hotel, including new restaurant and bar areas.
A Rich History
The hotel has a rich history. The adjoining two-storey section to the south dates from the 17th century. The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (before it merged with the three other Welsh Archaeological Trusts to become “Heneb”) estimates the central section was built in the mid-19th century. The hotel has bedrooms and two function rooms. There is also an onsite gym and spa.
The property went on the market in 2022. Former operator Phil Roberts states the decision to sell was down to retirement after eight years of operating the hotel.
He commented on the organic nature of his decision: “This was a genuine retirement sale. We are pleased to have sold the hotel to a party who intends to continue the successful business that we established during our tenure.
A Local, Community-Based Resource
The TLC Holdings Director, David Kamau, said, “The building has so much history attached to it. We know how much the Hand Hotel means to the people in Chirk and the many visitors to the area. Our team hopes when we open a brand-new hotel, restaurant and bar service in a few days, visitors will once again enjoy a local, community-based resource.”
A Potted History
The three-storey part was likely added as an extension to the original building to meet the increased demand for accommodation after Thomas Telford’s road from London to Holyhead opened. One distinctive feature of the hotel’s front is its Italianate portico.
The hotel has been the site of several inquests, including those of many local colliers. In 1870, Ellis Davies, the hotel’s ostler, narrowly avoided his own inquest. He was thrown from a carriage when the horse took fright on the way to Cefnywern. He lay unconscious on the road until “stimulants” were brought from Cefnywern. (Ostlers were responsible for looking after the horses of inn guests.)
In January 1870, the managers of Brynkinallt Colliery hosted a dinner for 100 of their employees at the Hand Hotel. The colliery, located east of Chirk, had opened in 1858, but by 1870, as noted in a speech at the dinner, “little work” was being done during the summer months.
The hotel also became a place of refuge on occasion. In 1905, a soccer referee named Mr. Hull had to be escorted to the hotel after Chirk lost to Nantwich at home. Hull had awarded Nantwich a penalty, which angered the crowd. As he left the ground, some spectators threw sods of grass and other objects at him.
We hope you enjoyed reading “Hand Hotel Chirk to Reopen”. Click here to read more of our articles about tourism and hospitality.
