£2M PRICE TAG ON HISTORIC HOTEL
Building in Burslem dates back to 1929
ONE of Stoke-on-trent’s most historic hotels is up for sale for £2 million.
The George Hotel, in Swan Square, Burslem, is being marketed by estate agent Christie and Co.
The hotel has 44 en-suite bedrooms, a 65-cover restaurant, a 120-seat lounge bar, and three function rooms.
But most recently it has been used to accommodate a ‘small handful’ of rough sleepers for Stoke-on-trent City Council during the coronavirus pandemic.
The hotel advert states: “A purpose-built landmark period building dating back to 1929 and designed by highly-regarded architects Longden and Venables.”
The estate agents have revealed that there are no planning permissions currently in place on the building.
The sale would include all of the inside fittings, with staff contracts negotiable. Historian Fred Hughes, pictured, said: “I don’t know what the future is for The George and I would like to see it brought back to what it was like, but the only way that can happen is with the regeneration of Burslem.
“I don’t think The George would have a future as a hotel in 2021 Burslem. It’s up for a lot of money and might have been worth that in its heyday.
“The hotel would have been a force behind people staying in the town when we had Royal Doulton and the like but they’re gone now.” Our Burslem founder June Cartwright used to work at the hotel in the 1960s and 1970s. She remembers bands such as Thin Lizzy performing at the venue and worked behind the bar during decimalisation.
June said: “I hope someone can come along and make the most of it. I used to work there and it was a very exciting time. It is beautiful inside. I can understand why the owner is selling – coronavirus has a lot to answer for.
“I just hope whoever gets it can make a good use out of it.”