The Signet Collection is delighted to announce the purchase of The Halfway Inn located near their popular country house hotel and spa The Retreat, Elcot Park between Newbury and Hungerford.

Marking stage one of a project to rejuvenate the former roadside pub, it is being lovingly restored in keeping with the style of The Collection of Signet hotels, to become a training hub for the Signet Team with a soon-to-be-launched “Academy”.

Housing a brand-new research and development kitchen, The Academy will offer a dedicated programme to upskill and train in-house, investing in the future of The Collection by nurturing and retaining the people that make guests want to come back time and again. This complements the company’s existing graduate programme which showcases the career paths that exist within the industry, engaging with hospitality schools within countries in the commonwealth to capture talent at a grass roots level through international and local work placement schemes.

Complete with six bedrooms, The Academy will allow for the team across England to come together, and for international chefs to join the brigade, to further finesse skills and develop menus, ensuring that food remains a stand-out feature of The Signet Collection.

Stage two of the project will come into play this summer when The Halfway Inn will once again welcome guests through its doors. Open daily guests will be offered breakfast through to evening meals.

Hector Ross, Founder of The Signet Collection said: “Purchasing The Halfway Inn is a landmark step for us and showcases our commitment to our team, our future growth plans and our local community.  It’s a privilege to be restoring this Inn back to its former glory and we look forward to not only building a workplace where our team can thrive, but welcoming guests back to enjoy great food & drinks with a menu that champions all things local.”