news

BIG NEWS - the forbury joins von Essen hotels

von Essen hotels is delighted to announce the acquisition of the forbury, a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of Reading, located within the peaceful setting of the Forbury Gardens.

With 23 rooms and suites arranged over four floors, as well as 16 self-contained apartments, the forbury, built in 1911, is the former Berkshire Shire Hall and is a grand and imposing listed building that effortlessly lends itself to its current status as a luxury hotel. From the bold and lavishly appointed interiors, to the vast and eclectic private art collection, the hotel has an overall feel of opulence, style and comfort.

Designed for both business and pleasure, the forbury boasts the latest technology, stylish yet functional surroundings and dedicated conference rooms providing the ideal location for meetings and events. There is even a 30-seat private cinema, ideal for both private and corporate use.

the forbury's dining experience continues von Essen hotel's tradition of culinary excellence. 'Cerise' is the hotel's trendy brasserie and bar and 'Eden' is a multi-functional room perfect for fine dining, functions, wedding receptions and conferences.

the forbury will be the first hotel in the collection's Metropolitan Set, to be followed with the launch of Hotel Verta in Battersea, London.

Andrew Davis, Chairman of von Essen hotels says, "We are delighted to have acquired the forbury, the inaugural member of our Metropolitan Set. A key strategic objective for 2009 is to acquire properties in the UK's principal cities - the forbury is a fitting first hotel in this set and a valuable addition to the von Essen collection."

Visit www.vonessenhotels.com for more information about von Essen hotels.

the forbury sponsors Great Leighs Race Evening

Date: 10/11/2008

On 6th November 2008, the Forbury Hotel sponsored the entire race card at Great Leighs racecourse in Essex, the newest racecourse in the country. The Forbury Hotel Oriental Stakes held eight races in total, and the racecourse was branded with banners, presentation stands and flags. Three girls dressed in the iconic Forbury brown bathrobes and slippers walked amongst racegoers giving out Forbury rubber ducks and slippers to the lucky punters. TV screens showed images of the races, and the night was broadcast live worldwide to At the Races and Sky Sports 2.

 Toby Hunter, the owner of the Forbury, is a keen supporter of the racing fraternity, and with the Forbury's close proximity to Ascot, Newbury and Windsor racecourses, this should be only the beginning of many collaborations.