West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a multi-million investment in one of Worcestershire’s premier hotels – Stanbrook Abbey. Harriett was given a VIP tour by the hotel’s general manager Gordon Burniston who briefed her on the recent refurbishments and plans for the future. The property, now owned by Handpicked Hotels, has seen a £4.2 million refurbishment programme to improve dining facilities, add extra rooms and improve the hotel’s air conditioning. The historic building also had a series of improvements totaling £5 million in 2017. Harriett commented: “Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Worcestershire and I was impressed at the further improvements that have been made to the property. I’m excited about the plans to make further enhancements in the near future. “Gordon’s biggest challenge is recruitment and we had long discussions about how we can work together to help him fill his vacancies. Getting to and from the hotel in Callow End can be a challenge for visitors and staff who don’t drive and that’s a message I will be taking back to the county council as they carry out the review of their bus services. “High-quality hotels are essential for encouraging more tourists to visit the area and I hope that this new investment under new ownership helps a great deal.” Gordon Burniston added: “We’re all delighted with the results of this extensive renovation project which has seen Stanbrook Abbey Hotel transformed. “Our new restaurant, The Rectory Dining Room & Terrace has opened up the ground floor space dramatically and the response to its contemporary design and our modern British menu has already been incredible – it’s now a destination in itself! “As part of the development, we also have15 additional bedrooms taking the total to 70 as well as a refreshed function suite, St Anne’s Hall, to accommodate larger residential events and weddings for which Stanbrook is well renowned. “Importantly, we’re thrilled that this redesign has enabled us to offer visitors to Worcester and Malvern, and local residents on our doorstep, a reinvigorated community hotel which celebrates its rich and colourful heritage within the Worcestershire landscape.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin tours Stanbrook Abbey Hotel with Gordon Burniston.