Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK’s largest privately owned hotel operator with over forty 4 and 5 star hotels throughout the UK and Spain, has further increased its market presence by agreeing terms with the owners of the historic 48 bedroom Haycock Hotel in Wansford near Stamford.

Located just off the A1(M) north-west of Peterborough, under the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) agreement, the 16th century property will operate as a Macdonald Associate Hotel. The Haycock name and all forty staff will be retained, with additional training being carried out to provide the service levels expected by discerning guests at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

Beautifully restored with an interior that seamlessly blends old and new, The Haycock is renowned for the warmth of its welcome and its AA rosette award-winning Orchards restaurant.

Under the new agreement, the food offering will be further enhanced in keeping with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts policy for its skilled chefs to always prepare dishes using only the finest, freshest produce drawn from whole, raw ingredients.

Referring to the agreement, Chris Gillett, Managing Director, Macdonald Hotels Management Services Ltd, commented: “Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is very pleased to have agreed terms with the owners of The Haycock that ensures this renowned, popular and beautifully appointed hotel will operate as an Associate offering within the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

“Easily accessible on routes from the north, south, east and west, The Haycock offers discerning business guests impressive and modern conference facilities and can readily accommodate 250 delegates.

These factors, combined with its geographical location make The Haycock an excellent strategic fit for Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

“As a company, we now look forward to supporting general manager Linda Nicholson and her staff in developing the potential of this beautifully appointed country house hotel.”

The Haycock’s colourful history includes having reputedly held Mary Queen of Scots en route to her eventual execution on the orders of Queen Elizabeth 1.

It’s also claimed Queen Victoria once stayed within its walls while during World War 1, Sir Bache Cunard used lofts above the stables to produce parts for munitions.

The Haycock derives its name from a volume of doggerel written in both English and Latin by Richard Braithwaite and published in 1638.