Historic hotel in Skegness 'not for sale' says owner
The owner of a historic hotel in Skegness has denied it has been put up for sale after losing its alcohol licence due to a Covid-19 restrictions breach.
Grosvenor House Hotel on North Parade was put on the market by licensed property specialists Sidney Phillips, with a guide price of £975,000.
However, owner Russ Sparkes told the Standard that in spite of discussing putting the hotel up for sale with the estate agents, no agreement was finalised and he has requested that the advert is removed from the internet.
Mr Sparkes said the announcement has had an impact on bookings for the coming season and he wants to clarify the current situation.
"The hotel is not for sale and I have instructed Sidney Philips as such," he said.
"It remains business as usual at the hotel as the alcohol licence issue is subject to an appeal.
"A new 'team' is now being recruited for the forthcoming season, with the possibility of leasing off the ground floor.
"However, sale of the hotel may be considered in the future."
The town was shocked in January when CCTV footage was released at a East Lindsey District Council licence review in January showing the hotel to be open in contravention of the government closure order, which began on November 4.
At one point the footage showed 15 customers were crammed in the bar area, with no social distancing and without masks being worn by customers or staff, according to Lincolnshire Police.
However, Mr Sparkes told the licence review no alcohol sales had taken place, and that “the people in the bar area were permanent residents at the hotel who formed part of his "social bubble”.
He also denied other guests or workmen were permitted in the bar.
Built in 1922, the four-storey Tudor revival style hotel has stood strong as a cornerstone of Skegness tourism for almost a century. The Spencers owned the hotel for five generations and in recent years still employed a great, great grandson of the builder.
The hotel has 29 bedrooms, all rooms en-suite, bedrooms are mainly family suite.
It has the largest maple sprung dance floor in Lincolnshire ideal for Ballroom to Rock ‘n’ Roll. EDC Dance Group was also based there for five years and sponsored by the hotel.
The ballroom has also hosted the Christmas 'Feed the 1000' meals for the elderly and homeless in recent years.