Cirencester's hospitality sector is set for a shot in the arm with its flagship hotel, which went into administration last December, now rescued by an Oxfordshire chain for a revamp and takeover.

The 66-room Kings Head, which dominates the town's Market Square and dates back in parts to the 1400s, was owned by KHH Cirencester Ltd, who called in administators last Christmas amid an annual loss, recorded the previous March, of more than £1.8m. Some 43 jobs were thought to be in the balance but the acquisition now looks to have secured them, with existing staff being retrained this week.

The company's books showed how post-pandemic profits evaporated at the historically popular wedding venue after 2022's figures had seen a balance of £1.58m in the black.

Checked today – and as confirmed by the new owners – the hotel has closed its doors to visitors for a final fettle of menus and training of existing staff, with a grand reopening set for Good Friday (April 18).

Henley-on-Thames-based hospitality operator Brakspear has confirmed it is the new owner of the venue – and the name may be familiar to Punchline readers given that the company has been busy elsewhere in the Cotswolds: earlier this week, the business revealed it had signed the deeds for Moreton-in-Marsh's Redesdale Arms Hotel, while it also has the Lamb Inn, in Great Rissington, which hit the headlines last September and the Five Alls, just north of Lechlade.

Pronounced as in 'Shakespeare', Brakspear has some 120 pubs in its portfolio at the latest count, as well as a brewery HQ in Witney, Oxfordshire, the company dating back to 1779.

Both its Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh acquisitions have become part of the group's Honeycomb Houses showcase, which it terms as its "managed house division", an eclectic list of inns which also includes The Porch House and The Sheep, in Stow-on-the-Wold, Egypt Mill, in Nailsworth, The Frogmill, Andoversford, The George Townhouse, at Shipston-on-Stour and The Lion, at Bicester.

A spokesperson said: "The Kings Head is set to be the new jewel in the crown of the Honeycomb House estate which represents some of Brakspear's finest venues out of the pubs it owns. 

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Located in the centre of Cirencester's bustling high street, the Kings Head's imposing Georgian facade with grand entrance leads to an elegant lounge bar, vibrant restaurants, courtyard garden and rooftop terrace. It also holds two beautifully restored vaulted cellars, dating back to Roman times and offering the perfect venue for live music, parties, weddings and events."

The hotel's relaunch sees an all-new menu set, termed as "modern British", which showcases the talents of Honeycomb's head of food, Ken Umasanthiram.

Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO, said: "The Kings Head is an incredible venue with so much to offer both locals and visitors to the area. We'll continue to ensure it remains a completely unique and historic place to stay, drink and dine in style following an initial investment in staff training and new menus.

● The full financial details of Brakspear's acquisition and investment have not been disclosed.