What does Cheltenham think about the new owner of its most iconic hotel?

The new owner of one of Cheltenham’s most iconic buildings, The Queen’s Hotel, has revealed itself. Two of the town’s most influential business groups tell us what they think of the news.

Dear readers,

Welcome to Thursday’s story. Just a quick one (did I hear you say ‘phew!’?) - and we’ve kept the paywall off today, partly because we expect a version of this news to go everywhere.

Saying that it’s doubtful anyone else will have also spoken to those who live in the town to ask what they think. Which, after all, is what matters, and is what Raikes is here for: to do some journalism, to give the town a voice. So, that’s what we’ve done, albeit briefly.

You’ll see some of what was said to us below, and there is little reason at this stage to present the story as anything but a positive.

But for those who care about such things, and there are many, some anxiety remains about just what the future holds for a landmark building.

One of the downsides to revealing your news bite-size on social media, I might suggest, rather than speaking to a journalist.

You’ll see what we’re getting at if you read the article. I would be interested to know your thoughts (my email is below), as ever.

N…