Our Story

Its Unique-Here’s our Story

Founded in 1996 by Kevin Charity and now led by his son Adam Charity, the Coaching Inn Group remains a proud enterprise with a clear mission, to breathe new life into Britain’s historic inns and hotels. Imagine the click-clack of carriage wheels once approaching these timeless establishments; today, modern comfort welcomes travellers while preserving the charm that captivated their predecessors. From humble beginnings in Boston, Lincolnshire, the Group now operates 36 distinctive properties across the UK. Each has been meticulously restored, honouring original features like oak beams and sash windows, while seamlessly blending 21st-century comfort.

At its heart lies the Group’s enduring ethos: “Hospitality from the Heart.” More than a phrase, it reflects a genuine commitment to people, teams treated as family, communities as partners, and guests as old friends. Recognition followed: winner of UK’s Best Accommodation Operator at the 2025 Publican Awards, WHICH? Best Small Hotel Group 2024/25, Best Large Hotel Group 25/26 and ranked among the Top UK Employers. In essence, the Coaching Inn Group invites you on a journey where tradition, warmth, and thoughtful hospitality never go out of style.

Building A Stronger Future

I’m incredibly proud to lead RedCat Hospitality Group working alongside Adam Charity, COO of the Coaching Inn Group, and our outstanding teams. Together we’re creating something truly special, reviving great British pubs and hotels and inns, investing in our people, and delivering genuine hospitality. Every achievement reflects the dedication, passion, and teamwork that define our culture, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re accomplishing together.

Richard Lewis- CEO Redcat Hospitality Group

From Boston with Love-
Adam Charity

Since 1996 we have gathered a joyful portfolio of historic inns and handsome hotels in the Uk’s finest places. Think cosy villages, bustling market towns and our stunning national parks. Our mission is simple, to unleash the magic, support our brilliant teams and keep these national treasures shining bright for the next lucky lot.

Adam Charity COO

Our collection of unique hotels and inns are located in the some of the nations most desirable locations.

TIMELINE MILESTONES

The Coaching Inn Group is launched in Lincolnshire as the former name Bulldog Hotel Group, with a vision to revitalise historic pubs by Kevin Charity.

THE BEGINNING
1996

A new pub and leisure company was formed and started the creation of a new group of pubs and leisure venues, the company was known as Bulldog Pub Company.

OLD BRIDGE HOLMFIRTH
2000

The Old Bridge was purchased in 2000 becoming a principle site with rooms in the estate and one that remains in the Coaching inn Group Classic Collection to this day.

CIG FOUNDED
2005

The Coaching Inn Group is launched in Lincolnshire with Bulldog Group pub sites without rooms sold off to begin the next chapter of creating a historic inns with rooms group.

Strategic Pivot
2006

The shift from operating pubs to restoring and managing historic coaching inns with rooms began with the acquisition of the White Hart in Boston.

BGF Investment
2015

Receives 4.5m growth funding (later £10m) from BGF, enabling significant national expansion to more than fifteen sites and a rename to the Coaching Inn Group to reflect its heritage property portfolio.

Award Winning Growth
2017-20

Gains national recognition for quality refurbishments, service, and contribution to revitalising UK town centers.

RedCat Acquisition
2021

Redcat Hospitality invests in Coaching Inn Group to support significant investment and growth with the ambition to grow the portfolio.

WHICH? RECOMMENDED
2023

The Coaching Inn Group was named a Which? Recommended Provider, recognised for exceptional stays, warm hospitality, and outstanding guest satisfaction and has retained it to date each year.

A Fascinating History

Founded in 1996 in Boston, Lincolnshire by Kevin Charity and family, The Coaching Inn Group began with a passion for revitalising historic English hotels. Over decades, it has carefully acquired, restored, and transformed many of the UK’s most charming heritage inns, bringing them back to life as warm, welcoming hubs for dining, resting, and celebrating. Today, their award-winning collection spans market towns and areas of outstanding natural beauty across Britain.