Celebrating 50 years All Articles
Spring Edition 1
Hotels & Heritage
Hotels & heritage: the story behind Rigby Group’s hotel business. How preserving a historic building led to a thriving hospitality business at the heart of Rigby Group.
It started with a passion.
Sir Peter Rigby had always been drawn to the grandeur of historic country houses, their stories etched into every ancient brick and beam.
So it’s no surprise that when the chance came in 1995 to restore the neglected but stately manor at Mallory Court in England’s West Midlands - he seized it.
What began as a personal project to preserve an important part of Warwickshire’s history soon became the foundation of the Eden Hotel Collection, a thriving, award-winning portfolio of heritage hotels spread across the UK.
Preserving history, creating excellence Mallory Court was just the beginning. By focussing on unique character properties in the English countryside, the Eden Hotel Collection grew throughout the 2000s to include five stunning luxury hotels throughout the English countryside.
Each hotel is more than a place to stay - it’s an experience, rich with character, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for heritage. Sir Peter explains: “The strength of our hotels is in their individual nature, the care and attention that comes from a personal ownership and our dedicated teams who care deeply about their guests and hotels.”
This dedication to excellence has made the hotels destinations in their own right. Guests return not just for the impeccable service, but for the history, the charm, and the sense of place.
PEOPLE, CULTURE LEGACY
For Rigby Group, hospitality is more than an industry. It’s about people, culture, and legacy.
The annual Battle of Eden, a culinary competition where chefs from across the portfolio compete, is a perfect example of the collection’s culture of excellence and camaraderie.
“It’s like our Christmas Day!” says Tara Robinson, Group Sales & Marketing Director. “All the hotels come together, the GMs, the chefs - everyone. We invite guests in, we vote for our favourite dish, and Sir Peter is always there. That’s when it really feels like a collection, like a family.”
“When you love what you do, you love the company you work for, you feel at home,” says Tara. “The Eden Hotel Collection still feels like a family business. There’s personal contact, real feedback, and you always feel supported.”
“It’s an environment where you’re given access and real responsibility,” Tara adds. “People can spread their wings here. We’ve seen so many incredible career journeys because their development is a priority.”
A future rooted in heritage
Rigby Group’s hotel division is more than a passion project. It’s a testament to vision and values, with each hotel standing tribute to Sir Peter’s original mission: to preserve history while delivering world-class hospitality.
And the journey continues. The focus remains on growth, but not at the expense of detail, authenticity, or heritage. As the Eden Hotel Collection evolves, one thing is certain: the past will always be part of its future.