The Gresham Aparthotel Refocuses on Elevated Guest Experience with Strategic Refinement

The Gresham Aparthotel has announced the closure of its onsite restaurant as part of a strategic move away from casual dining, enabling a renewed focus on delivering exceptional long- and short-term stays.

The Gresham Aparthotel in Leicester officially opened in November 2021. Located on Market Street in the former Fenwick department store building, it launched following a £17 million refurbishment and offers 121 serviced apartments. A Grade-II listed building - it remains one of the city’s most iconic and architecturally striking landmarks.

The restaurant, operated by Black Iron Social until 2024, has experienced a decline in footfall, with pre-bookings steadily decreasing in recent years.

Now, as part of this strategic shift, the aparthotel will close its onsite restaurant, allowing the team to concentrate on enhancing its core hospitality offering. The move reflects changing guest preferences and a growing demand for flexible, high-quality accommodation experiences.

Mark Hills, General Manager at The Gresham, said: 

“We’ve seen a shift in how guests choose to spend during their stay, particularly in light of the wider cost-of-living landscape. This has given us an opportunity to refocus on what we do best, expanding opportunities to create memorable and personalised stays.

We have a number of exciting developments in the pipeline, all designed to further elevate the guest experience, from thoughtful in-room touches such as welcome hampers to enhanced service offerings and convenient bookable extras. The bar will remain open and available to both guests and walk-ins.”

As part of this evolution, Dominique Haines has been promoted from Reservations Manager to Hotel Sales and Operations Manager, reflecting the business’s commitment to nurturing talent from within. Ashley D’Mellow has also stepped into a new role as Duty Manager.

Dominique commented: 

“We’re entering a new era of hospitality, where guests are looking for more than just a place to stay - they want space, comfort, and a personalised experience. At The Gresham, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where guests feel at home, whether they’re staying for one night or several months.

As an independent aparthotel with a passionate and dedicated team, we value the relationships we build with our guests and are always looking for ways to make each stay truly special.”

This repositioning follows a successful year for The Gresham, which has been recognised with multiple industry awards, highlighting its commitment to quality, service, and guest satisfaction, including recognition from Lux Life, Tripadvisor, and International Explorer.

The aparthotel continues to be a popular choice for a wide range of visitors, including corporate travellers, guests visiting friends and family, and those coming to the city for sporting events, tourism, and university visits.

Guests will continue to enjoy a consistent breakfast offering, while the stylish bar and former restaurant space will remain available for private hire and events, serving as a hub for local networking and social gatherings. The fully equipped kitchen space will also be available for private hire, with strong interest already emerging from groups hosting events centred around Caribbean and Indian cuisine.

Each of The Gresham’s 121 suites and apartments has been thoughtfully designed to maximise space and comfort, featuring kitchenettes, ensuite shower rooms, and dedicated areas for both work and relaxation.

Additional amenities include a 24-hour reception team, onsite fitness facilities, and laundry services. The bar will continue to operate as usual, welcoming both residents and the local Leicester community.