Abode Hotels plans to double in size to 15 properties

Boutique hotel firm Abode Hotels, founded by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines and greetings card entrepreneur Andrew Brownsword, is to double its property portfolio.

The company said that it aimed to increase its estate to 15 hotels over the coming few years at locations across the UK.

The group is set to open its sixth property in Chester in April this year. It said it would continue to focus on selecting towns and cities renowned for their culture and heritage. Future potential targets include Salisbury, Oxford and London.

Managing director Nick Halliday said: “We believe that the current economic climate presents opportunities for growth. Abode has been well received to the market and doubling our current portfolio will lead to stronger brand awareness as well as increase our presence in key short break destinations.”

Brownsword, who made his name by creating the ‘Forever Friends’ design for greetings cards is also said to be keen to benefit from the downturn in property prices.

The company, which Brownsword runs jointly with Michael Caines, who won his second Michelin star as head chef of Gidleigh Park in 1999.

Abode had an annual turnover of £16m by the end of 2009 and has seen its workforce increase to almost 500 staff.