Hotel group to develop in Canterbury

Plans have been announced by Hotel Du Vin to open a 40-bedroom hotel, wine bar and restaurant in Canterbury.

The Marylebone Warwick Balfour group has purchases a warehouse site at the Bellway's Tannery development.

It is the second acquisition Hotel Du Vin has made through Christie & Co this year, following the purchase of the 22-bedroom St Andrew's Hotel in Scotland at the start of the year.

Managing director Bruce McKendrick said: "We are delighted to be bringing Hotel du Vin to Canterbury, where the brand will deliver a new style of hotel with superb rooms, fabulous wine cellars and a great value bistro and bar.

"In addition to offering luxurious bedrooms, it will be a great place for locals to meet, eat and drink."

The development plans for the tannery site include 440 homes and several retail units.

It is hoped the hotel will be open by 2010.

Hotel Du Vin is the sister company of Malmaison and has received awards from the Guardian and Caterer and Hotelkeeper.