Darwen’s Whitehall Hotel and Restaurant has been snapped up by a hotelier as he looks to expand his portfolio in the north.

Michael Huckerby, 48, who already owns The Lawrence Hotel in Padiham, has taken over the 15-bedroom hotel and restaurant in a deal facilitated by Christie and Co.

Michael Huckerby is adding The Whitehall to his portfolioMichael Huckerby is adding The Whitehall to his portfolio (Image: NQ)

The hotel will now begin a refurbishment under Mr Huckerby and will be operated alongside The Lawrence Hotel, which was opened in 2019.

Set at the base of the West Pennines, the site has two function suites, a contemporary award-winning restaurant and a gin bar with distillery.

Having previously been owned by Neil and Tracey Bullows the building, which dates to 1898, had undergone numerous renovations.

Mr Huckerby said: “We are thrilled to be taking over the Whitehall Hotel and will be looking to start a rolling refurbishment, to bring the building back to its former Victorian glory.”

Whitehall Hotel and Restaurant has two function rooms which are perfect for weddingsWhitehall Hotel and Restaurant has two function rooms which are perfect for weddings (Image: Whitehall Hotel and Restaurant)

The Whitehall was built in 1898 as a private residence and has been restored into a traditional country house hotel with several period features.

These include a sandstone fronted elevation, a panelled sweeping staircase, decorative ceilings and an open fireplace alongside an impressive 16 chandelier.

The deal was brokered by Tom O’Malley, associate director at Hotels at Christie & Co.

He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for an operator looking to expand their portfolio.

“The hotel has undergone a significant refurbishment and restoration programme since it was acquired by the previous owners in 2003, and we have no doubt Michael, and his team will continue to build on their success.”

In 2022 the hotel was the winners of the Resilience and Innovation award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

It was listed for £1,250,000 with Neil and Tracy Bullows originally looking for an investor who wanted to support their business, with more focus on the on-site gin distillery.

Set within 1.8 acres of land has two function suites which are ideal for weddings and a contemporary award winning restaurant.