The Gresham Aparthotel Shifts Focus Away from Dining to Enhance Guest Experience
The Gresham Aparthotel in Leicester has announced the closure of its onsite restaurant as part of a strategic shift away from casual dining. This decision aims to allow the establishment to concentrate on providing exceptional long- and short-term stays.
Opened in November 2021, The Gresham is situated on Market Street within the historic Fenwick department store building, following a £17 million refurbishment. The Grade-II listed structure is renowned as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, featuring 121 serviced apartments.
The restaurant, which was operated by Black Iron Social until 2024, has faced a decline in patronage, with a noticeable drop in pre-bookings over recent years. In light of this trend, the aparthotel will now focus on enhancing its core hospitality services, reflecting evolving guest preferences and a rising demand for flexible, high-quality accommodation.
Mark Hills, General Manager at The Gresham, stated: “We’ve seen a shift in how guests choose to spend during their stay, particularly in light of the wider cost-of-living landscape. This has given us an opportunity to refocus on what we do best, expanding opportunities to create memorable and personalised stays. We have a number of exciting developments in the pipeline, all designed to further elevate the guest experience, from thoughtful in-room touches such as welcome hampers to enhanced service offerings and convenient bookable extras. The bar will remain open and available to both guests and walk-ins.”
As part of this transition, Dominique Haines has been promoted from Reservations Manager to Hotel Sales and Operations Manager, underscoring the business’s commitment to developing talent internally. Ashley D’Mellow has also assumed a new position as Duty Manager.
Dominique remarked: “We’re entering a new era of hospitality, where guests are looking for more than just a place to stay – they want space, comfort, and a personalised experience. At The Gresham, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where guests feel at home, whether they’re staying for one night or several months. As an independent aparthotel with a passionate and dedicated team, we value the relationships we build with our guests and are always looking for ways to make each stay truly special.”
This strategic repositioning follows a successful year for The Gresham, which has garnered multiple industry awards, recognising its commitment to quality, service, and guest satisfaction from organisations such as Lux Life, Tripadvisor, and International Explorer.
The aparthotel remains a popular choice for a diverse range of visitors, including corporate travellers, those visiting friends and family, and individuals attending sporting events, tourism activities, and university visits. Guests will still have access to a consistent breakfast offering, while the stylish bar and former restaurant space will be available for private hire and events, serving as a venue for local networking and social gatherings. There is already strong interest in the fully equipped kitchen space for events centred around Caribbean and Indian cuisine.
Each of The Gresham’s 121 suites and apartments has been meticulously designed to maximise space and comfort, featuring kitchenettes, en suite shower rooms, and dedicated areas for both work and relaxation. Additional amenities include a 24-hour reception team, onsite fitness facilities, and laundry services. The bar will continue to operate as usual, welcoming both residents and the local Leicester community.
