Historic Chester Grosvenor Hotel to Close Permanently in September 2026
An iconic hotel located in one of the United Kingdom's most beautiful and underrated cities is set to close its doors permanently, with all jobs expected to be lost. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel, a historic Grade II listed building situated in the heart of Chester city centre, will cease trading on September 30, 2026. This shocking announcement was made by Bespoke Hotels, the management company operating the venue, following the discovery of unsafe concrete within the structure.
RAAC Concrete Discovery Forces Difficult Decision
The closure comes after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found above the function suites of the building, which dates back to 1865. In a statement provided to local media, Bespoke Hotels explained that the scale and complexity of the required repairs, alongside necessary refurbishment works, led to this very difficult decision. The company emphasised that safety is paramount, with the affected area remaining closed as a precaution while other public areas and the car park continue to operate normally until the closure date.
Staff members have been left heartbroken by the news. A letter from Chief Operating Officer Richard Grove, seen by Cheshire Live, acknowledged the deep upset this will cause and the potential loss of jobs for many colleagues. It stated that this decision was not taken lightly and is in no way a reflection of the team's performance, with immediate focus on supporting employees through the process.
Historic Significance and Future Plans
The Chester Grosvenor Hotel is a landmark property located next to the iconic Eastgate Clock, operating under Bespoke Hotels since 2015 when appointed by the Grosvenor Estate. The estate has confirmed that plans are being developed to refurbish the hotel and find a new operator, prioritising the long-term future of this important Chester institution.
This closure represents a significant blow to the local hospitality sector and the city's tourism appeal. Chester is frequently praised as one of the UK's most underrated cities, offering visitors winding streets, complete Roman walls, a thousand-year-old cathedral with medieval mosaics, the country's largest outlet village in a medieval gallery setting, and the renowned Chester Zoo with its recent sunrise safari lodges.
The impending loss of this historic hotel highlights broader concerns about building safety and preservation challenges facing heritage properties across the nation.
