Northumberland Estates

With work progressing fast on the new Alnwick hotel, the Duke of Northumberland was on site to lay the foundation stone. Also present was local businessman and leisure operator, Keith Liddell of Greensfield Moor Developments Ltd who, it was announced, will be running the 53 bed Inn once building is complete, as well as Andy McLeod from the infrastructure, support services and construction group Robertson, who will be responsible for the construction of the new complex. This 4 million project, which has been funded by The Northumberland Estates, is due for completion in June of next year.

Mr Liddell was also able to announce the name of his new venture which will be called The Hogs Head Inn after the Inn of Harry Potter fame. Mr Liddell is an experienced operator in the hospitality and leisure industry with over 25 years experience in the hotel and pub trade. He already runs two successful establishments in the area, The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal and The Bamburgh Castle Inn at Seahouses.
The Hogs Head Inn has been designed to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional country inn offering value for money food, beverages and accommodation and will be of a four-star standard.
Employing local staff is a priority for Mr Liddell and the Hogs Head Inn is expected to create around 40 jobs in the Alnwick area once up and running.
As well as employing local people, The Hogs Head Inn will source as much food from local suppliers as possible, which will play an important part of the inns offer and appeal to locals and visitors alike.
Commenting at the event the Duke of Northumberland said: It is with great pleasure that I am able to commemorate this venture which has finally come to fruition after many years in the planning. With its reliance on tourism, Alnwick is very much in need of the type of accommodation this Inn will be able to offer visitors. There has been much speculation over what type of hotel operator might be attracted to the town, and I am delighted that Northumberland Estates has been able to support a local business and assist it in its expansion plans.
Mr Liddell said: The Hogs Head Inn is a unique opportunity for Alnwick. There is a strong need for sensibly priced accommodation to meet the needs of visitors whether they are holidaying in the area or here on business.
The Hogs Head Inn will be a huge asset to the Alnwick area, delivering on employment, driving trade with local businesses and in attracting a greater number of people to stay and visit the town and areas surrounding it.
I am delighted to be working in partnership with Northumberland Estates and look forward to creating a tremendous asset for Alnwick.
Andy McLeod, regional Managing Director for Robertson said: We are very proud to be working on such an iconic project which is going to be a huge boost to the local area and a great addition to the Robertson portfolio which showcases the diversity of work we do.