A landmark hotel has reopened to the public following a six-figure investment, with the new management planning to establish the venue as one of Stoke-on-Trent’s leading places to stay.
The George Hotel, in Burslem, is being brought back to life by new owner Gurnam Singh, who operates East Midlands Hospitality Ltd, and runs hotels in locations including Leicester, Grantham and Coventry.
He bought the hotel 18 months ago and has spent that time upgrading the rooms and its main facilities.
The Swan Square hotel was previously used by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to provide temporary accommodation to families, but it was boarded up in 2024.
Twenty of the hotel’s 45 bedrooms are currently available, with the remaining rooms set to open in phases as further refurbishment work is completed.
The hotel’s bar is expected to be open to customers by January, and the longer term ambition is to introduce breakfasts and Sunday roasts before opening the venue for functions.
Bookings are said to be going well, with some nights fully booked.
The hotel has reopened under the management of Gurnam’s granddaughter Sanjana Kaur, who has worked in hospitality since 2016 and moved to Stoke-on-Trent from Manchester, where she had been studying philosophy at university.
She said: “When I talk to people in the community, everyone has a story to tell about The George.
“We’re hoping to make it the best hotel in Stoke-on-Trent, and bring it back to its former glory.”
Sanjana added: “We’re already winning people over with our hospitality, and we want to work with the community to give them a place to be proud of.”
The hotel, which dates back to 1929, is said to have inspired the Dragon Hotel featured in Arnold Bennett’s famous Five Towns novels.
Sanjana said her grandfather is drawn to old English buildings, and her interest in history has led to her to joining a local history class to learn more about the hotel and the surrounding area.
The hotel currently employs seven members of staff.
So far, work has included the installation of a new water system, new mattresses and new carpets. Future work will include a refit of the kitchen before opening for food.
Sanjana said: “We have had a lot of enquiries about hosting functions, and I’m looking forward to getting the ballroom renovated.
“We’ve opened at the right time for Burslem, when the town is going through a time of change, and we’re passionate and dedicated to moving the venue forward.”
