The Vineyard at Stockcross is sold to Apex Hotels, by Sir Peter Michael and his family
A multi-award winning hotel has been sold after more than 25 years being run by the same family.
Ownership of The Vineyard, at Stockcross, which was opened in 1998 by Sir Peter Michael, has been passed to Apex Hotels - another family hotel business founded by Norman Springford in 1996.
The Vineyard has been recognised throughout the past quarter of a century for its food and wine offering and was most recently awarded the newly created One Key by the Michelin Guide.
It has previously held two Michelin Stars – receiving the first in 2007 and the second when John Campbell was head chef.
With its cellar of 30,000 bottles and 3,000 bins, wine critic Jancis Robinson has described it as “a temple to wine from California” while Andrew Lloyd Weber once said: “Stay for a week and read the wine list.”
A large painting depicting ‘The Judgement of Paris’ hangs in the hotel’s foyer.
The family said it had decided the time was right for “for new owners to take on The Vineyard and develop the next chapter in its life”.
Sir Peter added: “My wife Maggie and I wanted a local Michelin star style of restaurant and there was nothing in the area offering this so ‘The Vineyard at Stockcross’ was born.
“We look forward to continuing to enjoy this special place under new ownership and wish Apex Hotels and the Springford family as much joy and success as we have witnessed over many years.”
In a post on social media the Michael family said: “After more than 26 wonderful years of passion, dedication, and unforgettable moments, The Vineyard is ready to turn a new page. It is with heartfelt thanks and heavy hearts that we announce the handover of our beloved hotel to the family-run Apex Hotels.
“Fear not – the hotel will remain dedicated to fine food, art and of course, wine, with a first class team at the helm.
“To our loyal guests and amazing team, thank you for your support over the years. We will forever cherish the memories made at The Vineyard and are excited about what the future holds.”
The family added that it will now focus on its other hotels – the Donnington Valley Estate, hotel, spa and golf course and The Post, The Kingfisher Bedford, The Vineyard Cellars, Deanwood Park and its most recent venture, The Bunker.
The Vineyard is Apex Hotels’ third country house hotel and one of 11 hotels across a UK-wide portfolio.
Managing director, Andrew McKenzie, who has been at five red star The Vineyard since opening said: “The family and I have lived and breathed The Vineyard for over 26 years so this will be a huge wrench.
“We will miss our many regular guests but even more so our fantastic team. What is reassuring is it is going to a good home; I have known Norman for many years and the fact that he and his leadership group have a great reputation for running excellent hotels and, more importantly, looking after their teams, gives us great comfort.”
Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex Hotels, added: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the purchase of The Vineyard; this is a significant step in our journey to diversify our portfolio and create more choice for our guests.
“We have huge respect for what Sir Peter Michael and his family have achieved at The Vineyard over the years and, as a family business ourselves, we recognise the dedication, hard work and passion that goes into creating a first-class venue such as this. We look forward to taking on the reins of this fantastic hotel and wish Sir Peter and his team all the best for the future.”
