THE owners of a thriving Worcestershire hotel have expanded their group with the purchase of a second venue in the Cotswolds.

Aidan and Sarah Stevens, who own Droitwich's St Andrews Town Hotel, have purchased the 39-bedroom country house Stratton House Hotel in Cirencester, promising a £1m investment programme and new jobs for the 17th century venue.

The acquisition comes four years since the couple purchased the Droitwich hotel which they have transformed, boosting guests numbers, overhauling its 31 bedrooms, adding an elegant Orangery and providing 14 new jobs by expanding its team from 26 to 40.

Mr Stevens said: “The success and support we’ve had since we took over the St Andrews Town Hotel has been fantastic and that has played a huge role in us expanding and having the confidence to take on our second venue.

“In many ways the template we’ve created in Droitwich, and the feedback from guests, has helped us to decide on the blueprint for the Stratton House refurbishment plans. It is about achieving the elegant and modern style people look for, but with a relaxed atmosphere and first-class customer service.”

Mr Stevens also praised firms in Worcestershire who helped the couple push the purchase through. He added: "These are businesses who have supported us and our ambitions from day one at the St Andrews Town Hotel. We would not have made this deal happen without their expertise.”

Mrs and Mrs Stevens have purchased the Gloucestershire hotel from the Oxfordshire-based St James’s Hotel Group for an undisclosed sum.