Entrepreneur buys Lytham hotel in six-figure deal

Mode Hotel in Lytham St Annes is under new ownership after an entrepreneur bought the site for £735k from Promenade Hotels (St Annes) Ltd.

Lancashire-born Andrew Whitaker has worked for various hotel chains in South East Asia for more than 20 years but decided to purchase a hotel in his hometown with NatWest support.

The 17-bedroom Mode Hotel on the South Promenade will undergo a series of refurbishment works over the next few years, including the addition of two more bedrooms.

When he was young, Andrew used to help out at the hotel his grandparents owned in Lytham St Annes.

He said: “I’ve been looking for a hotel to own in the UK for quite some time as my daughter has started school back home.

“Mode Hotel is a great hotel as it is in an ideal location for visitors to the seafront. I grew up in the area so it’s great to be able to invest in the area.”

He added: “I will continue to live in Hong Kong as we are keeping all of the management team at the hotel, led by Lina Kaval.”

To support the transaction, Andrew turned to Dale Lawrenson, a relationship manager at NatWest who was able to provide a six-figure loan.

Dale commented: “I was delighted to support Andrew with the purchase of Mode Hotel.

“Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge in the hotel and leisure sector, and I wish him and Mode Hotel every success for the future.”

Promenade Hotels’ director, Andrew Haworth, wished Mode Hotel’s new owner all the best for the future, adding: “I am sure he will continue to make it one of the go-to hotels on the Fylde coast because it certainly resonates with its target audience.”

The firm was advised by law firm Napthens during the transaction, with corporate partner Rob Dobson leading a team that included leisure and licensing head Malcolm Ireland. Andrew Whittaker, meanwhile, was advised by Stuart Harrison from Dickinson’s solicitors St Annes and Alister Miller of JP Harrison’s accountants Blackpool.

Rob commented: “The sale of Mode Hotel enables Promenade to focus on the market which caters for guests who want an exclusive, bespoke and more rounded visitor experience.

“Andrew [Haworth] and his team created a very valuable proposition in the Mode Hotel and I’m sure it will flourish under the ownership of Andrew Whittaker.”

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