Lots of ‘interest’ in Mill Hotel sale

Jun 6 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

THE deadline runs out today (Friday) for anyone interested in buying The Mill Hotel & Spa owned by well known Chester hotelier Gordon Vickers.

Mr Vickers, who co-owns The Mill with son Gary, put the129-bed hotel on the market in April.

There have been rumours the family of former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, a close family friend of Gordon, had been interested in buying the hotel. But Gordon's daughter Maretta Williams, who is the general manager, and Mr Prescott's brother Ray, who lives in Wrexham, say it is untrue.

Mrs Williams said: “There has been a great deal of interest. The closing date is this weekend. It's a closed bid.”

Gordon's age remains a closely guarded secret but he is retiring from the business world and is already spending a lot of time in Gibraltar.

“I just think it's something he's decided to do. He likes his boats and his flying,” said Mrs Williams.

“He's definitely retiring and I don't blame him. He's built up a good business and done a lot for Chester. He deserves to have a good break. He's getting a boat and I know he's going flying in Africa. .

“I think he's quite touched how many people have shown an interest. I will need to do something for him when it's all over.”

Mrs Williams has shown around many prospective buyers and hopes that “fingers crossed” she will be kept on. She said brother Gary had other business ventures to pursue.

Last year the hotel received planning permission for a large extension featuring 24 extra bedrooms, suites, a crèche, conference facilities, a cafe bar, link bridge to the existing hotel, car parking and a forecourt.

Situated on an historic Roman site, the Mill Hotel & Spa was opened by its present owners in 1987. The original Griffiths Cornmill building dates from 1830.

Mr Vickers, who lives in Chester, lost his partner Jacquie Williams to cancer in 2006. He got together with Jacquie after his wife Doris died of a brain haemorrhage in 1994.

Mr Vickers’ image as “Mr Chester” began in the 1960s when he ran the regular Monday Wall City Jazz Club night at Quaintways, Northgate Street, where the RB’s nightclub is today.

It was during this period he got the chance to manage The Beatles – but turned them down because they were ‘too scruffy’.

Mr Vickers is also friends with former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and his wife Pauline who often spend New Year’s Eve at The Mill.