Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham to be renamed the George Inn as part of £5 million plan by Rutland businessman Ryck Turner

The next stages of a £2 million redevelopment of an historic town hotel have been announced.

The 17th Century Whipper-In Hotel in Oakham will close during the last two weeks of January for further renovation work before reopening with new signage as the George Inn on Thursday, February 1

Rutland-based businessman Ryck Turner bought the Grade II-listed hotel and adjacent buildings in Market Place for £3 million earlier this year and aims to spend a further £2 million on renovations.

Ryck, who lives in Whissendine, said: “I want pay tribute to the heritage of this fabulous building, which served the people of Oakham through the centuries as the George Inn, by creating the quintessential country inn and bringing back the historic name and the tradition of first-class service.”

After the rebranding, the next stage of redevelopment will see the coach house at the back of the property converted into a unit with a 15-seater private cinema, gym and spa featuring a treatment salon, a sauna and a jacuzzi.

Ryck’s plans also include the creation of a new restaurant to replace the current dining room, with the kitchen being doubled in size.

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The new dining room, which will face out onto the Market Place, will have a guests-only cocktail bar and an exclusive private dining room and lounge on the first floor.

The hotel has also launched a new website at https://www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk/

As well as the Whipper-In, Ryck also acquired the building which housed the Rutland Chinese Restaurant, the building currently occupied by Curtis bakery, and the building where the Cancer Research UK shop is trading.

The Curtis bakery has signed a new lease and will remain trading.