42 The Calls Hotel to undergo 5* refurbishment with multimillion-pound investment

The hotel entered administration in February 2018 after a number of years of turbulent ownership. The hotel was rescued in May 2018 by a local Leeds entrepreneur, Simon Pollard, who wants to invest in its future. Fast forward 18 months and under Simon’s leadership the destination brand is ready to be revitalised. Simon saw an amazing opportunity to rejuvenate the hotel offering whilst reigniting the brand. Simon has spent the past 24 years building a number of highly successful businesses in the local area. His vision is to relaunch the hotel as a 5-star luxury experience and to become an employer of choice in the Leeds leisure market with the creation of 78 new jobs. The planning permission has been submitted and is awaiting approval with work scheduled to begin in January 2020. Simon has engaged the very best professionals in Yorkshire to help make his dream a reality. He hopes to complete the full refurbishment within 12 months’ in readiness for a grand relaunch in December 2020.

Simon’s vision for 42 The Calls is focused on creating an opulent experience which will revitalise the brand that wowed Leeds some 27 years ago. He has the vision, foresight and ambition to invest in this very exciting venture. Simon plans to transform and redevelop 42 The Calls into breath-taking accommodation, embracing the 18th century converted corn mill’s unique setting, provenance and potential. He will promote 42 The Calls Hotel as an extravagant experience for the people of Leeds to treasure and enjoy.

You can choose to arrive at the hotel in a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce which marks the start of a delightful stay. Alternatively, if you are travelling by train, you can be greeted at the station’s waterside with the hotel’s very own Riva boat which will take a 5-minute cruise to the hotel’s mooring where each guest will be welcomed with a glass of champagne.

The redevelopment brings incredibly exciting drinking and dining options including an exclusive rooftop champagne bar. This member’s only bar is accessible via a glass elevator located at the side of the building, inspired by the historical cargo transport system but with a contemporary twist. A stunning Italian inspired café bar will open, welcoming you in with aromas of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. Next to this on the ground floor will be a second champagne bar, open to the public with access to a deck overlooking the river allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning setting. The restaurant will be offering an incredible dining experience, with gourmet food being served in a tranquil waterside setting with the design reflecting the graceful curves along the River Aire. 42 The Calls will become the ‘go-to’ destination for business and pleasure.

The investment and Simon’s forward-thinking vision will create opulent 5-star luxury accommodation set on the beautiful backdrop of the River Aire. The hotel refit will blend high-end contemporary suites into the footprint of the 18th century corn mill whilst ensuring it protects the buildings’ heritage. Put simply, it will be a remarkable, exclusive hotel in a truly unique setting. Each of the 37 suites will be sophisticated and sleek, with plush finishing touches creating a decadent ambience in each room. A plethora of new technology will be incorporated, including facial recognition alongside a bespoke hotel app to control features such as lighting and room temperature as well as 24-hour concierge, accessible at the touch of a button.

Simon aims to reinstate this landmark building in the heart of Leeds and put investment back into the iconic area of The Calls. The planned regeneration of the external space around the hotel will create beautiful outdoor spaces for guests as well as the public to enjoy.

Simon comments… “I am extremely excited about the future and look forward to creating something truly special. The hotel has retained the support of its long-standing customers through high quality service and its friendly welcome and we look forward to welcoming them back alongside new visitors. I plan to transform and redevelop 42 The Calls into breath-taking accommodation that will elevate the hotel back to its rightful place s Leeds premier destination.

“Embracing the 18th Century converted Corn Mill’s unique setting, provenance and potential, we will develop a luxurious and opulent experience for the people of Leeds, and beyond, to treasure and enjoy. I believe the team I have built alongside my vision will put 42 The Calls firmly back on the map as the best luxury hotel in Leeds…”