Hotel Wrexham Announce Upward Trends – The new owners of Hotel Wrexham (formerly Holt Lodge), which is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation under their direction, have announced a 50% increase in food and beverage (F&B) revenue, thanks to the new Savvy Fox gastro-pub. Hotel room occupancy is also showing double-digit growth (year-on-year).
A Record Summer
New owners, hoteliers Steven Hesketh, owner of Savvy Hotel Group, which counts The Chester Townhouse in its portfolio, and Daniel Gillon, co-founder and managing director of Onyx Real Estate Liverpool, are also predicting a record summer as the hotel rolls out further expansion and renovation plans.
This new era of hospitality in Wrexham began in May 2024, and now, only 10 months later, Hotel Wrexham and The Savvy Fox are fast becoming part of the heart of a vibrant community once again.
Less than a year into their journey, Steven and Daniel’s bold vision and commitment to excellence are yielding impressive results. With a dedication to revitalising the property while enhancing the guest experience, they’ve set the stage for the property to become a cornerstone of the local community and the ever-growing tourism scene, thanks in part to the buzz around Wrexham AFC and its Hollywood success. Now known as Hotel Wrexham, this reimagined hotel gem is setting the standard for hospitality in the region.
A Transformative Renovation Journey
Since acquiring the property, Steven and Daniel have launched a major renovation project, focusing on the hotel’s 37 bedrooms. This ongoing transformation, expected to be completed by the end of summer 2025, presents beautifully refurbished rooms with a blend of modern comfort and thoughtful design elements. Leisure, event and business guests can look forward to a high-quality experience complete with new carpets, beds and a full redecoration of the rooms.
Alongside the room renovations, the hotel’s pub/restaurant, previously known as Rafters Hotel Restaurant, has undergone a dramatic transformation, thanks to a £350,000 investment. The result is The Savvy Fox, a gastro pub guided by the creative direction of interior designer Natalie Waldron. The new F&B space provides an inviting, fun and relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy a delicious menu and an extensive drink offering.
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TripAdvisor
Recent customer reviews on TripAdvisor include:
“My second visit to The Savvy Fox, and it was as good as the first. The interior is beautifully designed, the staff welcoming and attentive, and the food was fabulous. I would highly recommend a visit, and I will be returning again soon.”
“A lovely meal, beautifully decorated restaurant and great service. The lamb shank Shepherd’s Pie was delicious… and cocktails were lovely too! Thank you!”
“Highly recommend this place. Everything from the service, decor, quality and price of the food was excellent. Nice to go somewhere new, and this certainly didn’t disappoint.”
The Savvy Fox has already become a local favourite, offering live music every Saturday night, daily specials like a £12.95 burger and pint, and fantastic Sunday lunches that are always in high demand. The hotel has announced upward trends and the summer of 2025 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking season.
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Creating Connections And Building Community
Beyond the tangible successes, the heart of the project creates connections within the community. Since taking over, the hotel has tripled its workforce, contributing to local employment and investing in training to ensure top-tier guest experiences.
A commitment to supporting local businesses has resulted in collaborations with local tradespeople, artists, and businesses to enhance the property and the surrounding area.
Notably, the team has partnered with local wood sculpture artist Simon O’Rourke and will implement a bespoke, family-friendly playground for children. Scheduled for completion before the summer, the playground, along with woodland animal sculptures situated around the property, will further elevate the guest experience and provide safe, imaginative spaces for play. The charming woodland creatures, including the popular The Savvy Fox sculpture at the hotel entrance, have become an Instagram favourite.
Supporting local charities and causes that are important to the community has been a key focus. A range of events, sports-themed dinners and business networking opportunities through the launch of Connect Wrexham have raised thousands of pounds for various charities so far. Nightingale House Hospice, The Rainbow Foundation, Wrexham Rugby Club and the Wrexham Miners Rescue charity are just some of the beneficiaries of Hotel Wrexham’s charitable support.
Looking Ahead: Expanding And Enhancing
The team is excited to continue expanding its offering. By the end of 2025, Hotel Wrexham will introduce five newly renovated self-catering apartments, perfect for guests seeking longer stays in stylish accommodations, featuring kitchens and washing facilities.
The hotel will continue to host a variety of events, from corporate gatherings and live music nights to casual after-work drinks in its scenic outdoor spaces.
Plans are also underway to develop the hotel’s event capabilities, with an exciting Mini-Festival, in collaboration with Devafest, planned for the May Bank Holiday weekend (24th and 25th May) with live acts, food, drink, stalls and fairground rides.
With ambitious plans for the future, including additional improvements to the property and more community partnerships, Hotel Wrexham and The Savvy Fox are more than just businesses – they represent a passion project rooted in creating something truly special for the Wrexham community and its visitors.
“Incredibly Proud”
Steven Hesketh says, “We are incredibly proud of the success we achieved in the last year. It was a year of growth, resilience, and positive change. Our guests’ continued trust and support have been the cornerstone of our achievements. We are more excited than ever to build on this momentum and elevate the experience we offer. We will also continue to create memorable moments for every guest who walks through our doors.
“Together with guests, local partners, and the community, we are building something extraordinary – one experience, one event, and one connection at a time.”
Hotel Wrexham has a programme of diverse and exciting events, many of which raise money for charity. To find out more about what’s coming up at Hotel Wrexham, visit hotelwrexham.co.uk. To book a place at an event, call 01978 661 002 or email events@hotelwrexham.co.uk.
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