One of Cornwall’s most innovative and longest-serving hoteliers is retiring, putting the ever-popular Mannings Hotel on the market after 30 years of ownership. Lynn Manning bought the hotel in 1993 with her husband, who tragically died of a brain tumour not long after they had started the extensive renovation and refurbishment programme of the Grade ll listed coaching inn.
‘I was brought up in the hospitality industry right here in Cornwall.’ Explains Lynn. ‘I had been looking at this beautiful but neglected hotel for years, and eventually my husband and I approached the then owners and started negotiations for us to buy it. At the time, there were plans to turn it into a shopping centre, but fortunately we were able to invest in the hotel instead, turning it into a much loved and successful business which has surely been part of thousands of lives since it was built in 1797. I have always seen the hotel as part of the heritage of Truro and I hope whoever buys it will have the same vision for keeping the business at the heart of the local community. We had wonderful support from the conservation dept at Cornwall Council who helped us to work to preserve and restore our heritage building, and I would like to thank everyone who supported us throughout the last 30 years.’
With a young family, Lynn picked herself up following the untimely death of her husband and continued the building work with support from her bank, Cornwall Council, her family and the business network she had. ‘It was really tough going on without him, but immersing myself in work helped me get through it. It’s not enough to have a great hotel. We wanted to create something that went beyond the obvious, and that’s what we did. We were the first to offer cocktails in Truro, the first to be an equal opportunities employer welcoming staff of any race or sexuality. We got to know what people wanted and made sure we offered it, like a safe and welcoming place for women travelling alone. We have a fantastic and very experienced team here, and a solid client base of locals, business professionals and holiday makers. After more than 30 years running this thriving hotel, it’s time for me to hand over the reins to someone who is as ambitious for the hotel as I am. I’ve loved the journey we’ve been on and can’t wait to see what’s in store both for me, and for the hotel.’
The hotel has looked after many famous guests over the years, including Darcey Bussell, Diana Rigg and Bob Geldof. With a strong connection to the Hall for Cornwall, the hotel often accommodates crew, cast and audience. The location of the hotel in the centre of Truro means that guests love the easy transport links, using it as base for the Isle of Scillies, Falmouth and Penzance.
Vickery Holman property consultants are handling the sale and interested parties should contact them for further information.
‘Mannings Hotel is a rare opportunity for someone who wants a successful hospitality business with the potential to further develop the two Grade ll listed buildings, and with additional land included in the sale along with the hotel and 9 self-catering units. We’re inviting offers by midday on Friday 23rd March and we are already seeing strong interest. Please contact us for more information.’ Added Michael Easton, Head of Hospitality for Vickery Holman, who have offices in Truro as well as Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol.
