Cheshire Cat
North-west-based Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars operates seven sites, three with accommodation, each designed with its own “country chic” identity and individual touches drawn from the character of the buildings, local history and the influence of operators Tim and Mary Bird.
Room features include bespoke-made beds and mattresses, powerful showers, complimentary toiletries – mainly via Bramley or Farmers brands, tea and coffee facilities, homemade treats, Wi‑Fi, and a dedicated workspace, across all 14 bedrooms.
There are no TVs to ensure visitors feel immersed in the surroundings and can truly switch off.
Most guests also eat and drink on-site and a big database means promoting stays is core to Cheshire Cat’s approach to room sales that often see high average spends by customers.
Training is bespoke and site specific, led by ambassadors who are known as ‘champions’ throughout the business.
Some rooms are dog-friendly and accessible to those with mobility issues.
Chestnut
Chestnut operates 25 sites, 22 of which offer accommodation, comprising more than 400 bedrooms across pubs-with-rooms and larger house-style properties.
Each site in its east of England remit retains its individuality but follows “urban Nordic chic to coastal charm” principles, shaped by local designers and community insight.
High‑quality linens, mattresses, towels and durable furnishings help makes stays enjoyable while GMs operate autonomously to maintain each pub’s personality.
All rooms include smart TVs, premium bedding, coffee machines, toiletries from Connock, which is a brand Chestnut acquired.
Marketing is driven by a huge database that includes 25,000 loyalty members, who can redeem points earned on future stays.
Staff training includes structured inductions, buddy systems, legal training, WSET opportunities and leadership pathways. Food and drink quality is central, using local provenance – from Brancaster mussels to Barsham beer – with varied menus, seasonal offers and dinner‑inclusive packages driving additional room sales.
Chickpea Group
Chickpea Group operates 10 sites, eight of which currently offer bedrooms, with further openings and additional rooms planned.
All properties are historic buildings in the south-west, shaping individually designed rooms that balance charm with comfort, defined by high-quality beds, bedding and duvets.
Rooms are intentionally simple. There are no wardrobes or even twin rooms to maximise space and retain aesthetic appeal.
Facilities are consistent across all price points, including smart TVs, fresh milk in chilled flasks, locally roasted coffee in cafetières, handmade cookies and site-specific branded mugs.
Toiletries are by Land & Water, and bespoke amenity bags are created in‑house for each pub.
Marketing uses a big – and growing – database, developed via newsletters, events, influencer stays and a CRM strategy focused on personalisation.
Initiatives such as Chickpea Chats, two‑for‑one rural retreat offers and collaborations with local attractions support room sales.
Training is built around the ‘Bedroom Bible’, covering culture and process, plus ‘Back to the Floor’ principles, three‑second guest acknowledgment and rigorous ‘Bare Minimum Audits’.
Heartwood Inns
Heartwood Inns operates more than 30 pubs, with seven offering accommodation and more on the way.
Each site is individually designed but all share a “home‑from‑home” feel rooted in historic, characterful buildings in market towns, coastal spots and overlooked destinations.
Interiors at this south of England operator are warm, layered and welcoming, with zones for socialising, dining, relaxing or working.
Rooms follow the ‘Full of Life’ ethos: colourful, calming and consistently equipped with Silentnight beds, cotton bedding, Bramley toiletries, well‑placed sockets, fridges and dog‑friendly options.
Marketing is multi‑channel and uses pricing expertise plus partnerships with online travel companies and packages such as ‘Sleep For Free’ and ‘Soufflé Away’.
Training includes comprehensive two‑week openings programmes, Stepping Stones career pathway, MIT programmes, Bar Academy and supplier training.
Heartwood counts on chef‑patron Raymond Blanc’s influence, whole‑carcass butchery, premium suppliers and menus built fully in‑house.
Many guests dine even when not staying while locals drive strong community trade too.
Stay Original
Stay Original operates seven sites in the south-west of England, including the Eastbury in Sherborne, Dorset, which went live in October last year.
All properties are historic buildings – mainly old coaching inns – and have helped regenerate their local areas.
All bedrooms follow a boutique style, mixing characterful design with relaxed pub hospitality.
Rooms vary significantly due to each building’s age and layout, though colours, wallpapers and fabrics follow a shared palette.
Beds can be split to make up twins rooms if needed and there are dog‑friendly rooms available.
Rooms include coffee machines, DAB radios playing on arrival, smart TVs and Egyptian cotton bedding.
Ubiety toiletries are standard, with proceeds supporting a Bath hospice. Pillow menus, fresh milk in flasks and locally led suppliers reflect the business’s focus on comfort and community. Women-led brands are championed, and many senior roles across the estate are held by women.
Marketing is multi‑channel with each site having its own Instagram and Facebook presence, supported by a group page and a big email list.