Boston-based inns group has name change as part of £20 million expansion

The Boston-headquartered company has been renamed The Coaching Inn Group as part of its ambitious plans to grow across the UK.

The firm has grown from two to eight sites since launching in 2007.

Founder and managing director of The Coaching Inn Group, Kevin Charity, said: “Our aim is to be the number one operator of regional inns in the country and the name change is the natural next step for us, giving the market a very clear signal as to our sector leadership ambitions.

“We have a very clear strategy for acquiring high quality coaching inns in busy market towns and revitalising them in order to compete against a backdrop of ever-improving food, drink and accommodation offers across the UK.

“The traditional Coaching Inn continues to be the key hospitality venue in a large number of towns across the country and the sector continues to provide excellent opportunities for growth and investment.

“The name change is a clear statement of intent to stay true to that model in keeping casual dining at the heart of what we do while continuing to expand our increasing portfolio of bedrooms.”

The group secured a £4.5 million investment from the Business Growth Fund to support its £20 million expansion and was named one of the London Stock Exchange Group’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

Bulldog recently announced the appointment of well known restaurateur and food and beverage specialist Andrew Guy as non-executive chairman, bringing more than 30 years’ experience operating pub, food and restaurant chains across Europe and the US, including Ed’s Easy Diner and Frankie & Benny’s.

The group’s premises include the White Hart Hotel in Boston, the Admiral Rodney Hotel in Horncastle and the Talbot Hotel in Oundle near Peterborough.