The Lord Bute, a hotel and restaurant located in Highcliffe, has recently been taken over by Heartwood Collection, a hospitality group and operator of Heartwood Inns.
(Image: Lord Bute)
The business has said that the property will undergo a ‘significant refurbishment’ and reopen as an extension of the group’s existing pub, The Oaks, which sits adjacent to The Lord Bute.
Richard Ferrier, CEO of Heartwood Collection, commented: “When the opportunity arose to acquire a hotel and restaurant adjacent to our existing pub, we couldn’t believe our luck.
“We are delighted to welcome The Lord Bute to Heartwood Inns and intend to invest significantly in both properties. They will operate under The Oaks name, with an Autumn opening looking realistic.”
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It was previously reported that Bradley Green, the business’ former owner, stepped down towards the end of 2025, following an ‘intense and emotionally demanding’ two year planning battle surrounding the future of the historic property.
The decision followed BCP Council’s refusal of the landlord’s planning application to redevelop the site.
It was stated that the site includes a Grade II listed lodge house and three modern hotel buildings, adding that under the plans, the newer buildings would have been demolished to make way for three residential blocks, each containing two semi-detached houses.
For the first time, The Oaks will offer overnight accommodation, with 19 ’boutique-style’ bedrooms created as part of the redevelopment.
In parallel, Heartwood Inns also plans to refurbish the existing pub to a premium standard.
The acquisition represents another significant milestone in Heartwood Collection’s continued expansion of its premium ‘pub with rooms’ portfolio.
It’s said to strengthen the group’s presence across the South of England and marks its third site in Dorset, building on the reported success of The Oaks and reinforcing its reputation for creating characterful destinations rooted in communities.
It was added that Heartwood Collection, under the ownership of Alchemy Partners, is well on track to reach 500 bedrooms by June 2027.
The Heartwood Collection also manage the Brasserie Blanc restaurant in Bournemouth.