The Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury has been brought to market, with “substantial” offers invited for the freehold of the Grade II listed town-centre property.The hotel, which dates back to the 15th Century, occupies a prominent position on Wyle Cop in the heart of the town.
The property reopened in July 2024 following several years of use under a government contract. It has since resumed trading as a traditional hotel and is forecast to achieve a net turnover of £715,745 for the year ending 2025.
The hotel features three interlinked terraced buildings reflecting medieval, Georgian and later architectural styles. It includes 59 en-suite bedrooms, several bars and lounges, and a main restaurant seating around 60 guests.
Public areas include the Oak Bar, which retains original timber panelling, the Tapestry Lounge and the Tudor Bar. Function rooms include the Lion Room and the Adam Ballroom, which can host up to 160 guests when combined with the adjoining Ante Room. The property also includes private parking for 52 vehicles.
The Lion Hotel has hosted numerous notable guests over its long history, including Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, Benjamin Disraeli, the violinist Paganini and The Beatles.
The private international owners said: “The Lion Hotel has been an important part of Shrewsbury’s story for centuries, and it’s been a privilege to see it return to traditional hotel trading this year.
“We’ve re-established the business and demonstrated its potential, but we believe the time is right for new owners to take it forward and fully realise its historic and commercial potential.”
Robert Smithson, director in the Hotels team at Colliers, added: “Opportunities to acquire hotels of this stature in such a prominent and historic location are increasingly rare. The Lion Hotel is a landmark property in every sense, full of character, with extensive accommodation and function space, and clear scope for growth across weddings, dining and leisure trade.
“With the right investment and vision, it has the potential to reassert itself as one of the region’s leading hotels”
