Managing director Adam Charity said the group had become more disciplined about where it deploys capital following RedCat’s restructure around Coaching Inn Group, with greater emphasis now placed on quality over quantity.
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“We’re focusing on opportunities that fit our model, enhancing the guest experience and bringing greater consistency across the estate,” he told the Morning Advertiser (MA).
The 2027 programme will include significant investment in existing properties, including a refurbishment of the Royal Oak in Welshpool, alongside full refurbishments at two sites transferred from RedCat in February 2026. Further projects are also planned across the portfolio.
Accommodation focus
Bedrooms will remain one of the group’s main areas of investment, with 15 new rooms currently being added at the Feathers in Ledbury and further opportunities identified across the estate.
Charity said accommodation remained a major revenue driver, while food and drink would also receive further investment.
The group has refreshed menus, introduced sharing and grazing boards and promoted chef Malcolm Storey to head of food to lead the next phase of development across its kitchens and restaurants.
Working alongside recently appointed property director David Phillips, the group will continue targeting underinvested, characterful hotels and pubs with rooms where investment can significantly reposition the business, particularly in market towns and destination locations.
Charity said recent schemes at the Castle of Brecon and Warwick Arms had both performed ahead of expectations following refurbishment.
He added the projects had also reinforced the importance of detailed due diligence when working with historic buildings.
“Heritage sites inevitably come with complexities that aren’t always apparent. We’ve become more rigorous in our approach to surveys, project planning and uncovering potential risks in the early stages.”
The group remains open to different routes to growth, including freehold acquisitions, hotel management agreements and partnerships.
Selective acquisitions
Acquisitions will remain one of Coaching Inn Group’s three biggest priorities for 2027. Charity said the group remained ambitious but selective.
“The priority is finding the right opportunities rather than the most opportunities,” he said. “We’re looking for high-quality inns that fit nicely in our portfolio and where we can apply our expertise to unlock value.”
Digital investment will also continue, including the launch of Journey by Coaching Inn Group, a new loyalty app aimed at increasing repeat visits and customer engagement.
Energy efficiency remains another focus, with investment in smart energy controls and EV charging points across the group’s Signature Collection properties.
Looking ahead, Charity said success would mean completing key refurbishment projects, integrating any new acquisitions and continuing to improve consistency across the estate while retaining the individual character of each property.
