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28 February 2010

The Kings Arms in Stow-on-the-Wold is enjoying a £150,000 refurbishment with new owner Lucinda Hawkings-Byass at the helm, taking this 500-year-old former coaching inn to new heights...

As part of the prestigious family that founded Sherry’s most recognisable name, (Gonzalez Byass) Lucinda Hawkings-Byass is making her own mark in the hospitality industry; she has taken over The Kings Arms in Stow-on-the-Wold and is transforming it to become the focal point of the town once again.

Lucinda brings her wealth of experience to the project; she has worked as Hospitality Manager running six bars and restaurants for eight years and redeveloping all six, almost like a troubleshooter for GK. She also took 50 staff Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for a week and managed there also.

Her experience there will stand her in good stead to take on the challenges of converting this charming 500-year-old former coaching inn.

The Kings Arms’ interesting history has attracted visitors and locals alike, (it played host to King Charles I before the Battle of Naseby in 1645). It was also the location for BBCs TV adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge.

Bringing a sense of community to the project, Lucinda is working with local businesses to complete the refurbishment. Wanting guests to fully embrace the Cotswold experience, Lucinda is striving to make The King’s Arms a welcoming venue for all.

"I want people to experience The Kings Arms as if it were their own home," says Lucinda.

A former polo player, Lucinda brings the same drive and determination she used in the sport to transforming this charming inn. With a budget of £150,000, Lucinda has already started refurbishment on the restaurant and accommodation (eight bedrooms and three cottages), combining beautiful original features with state-of-the-art technology to create a boutique-style hotel.

The restaurant will take the theme of an oyster bar and chop house featuring a traditional steak and butchers menu sourced locally. Offering fine wines, good food and boutique-style accommodation, The Kings Arms is the ideal choice for exploration around the Cotswolds, situated as it is in the Cotswold Hills, beside the Roman Fosse Way.