Historic Harborough hotel – which shut a year ago - could be drafted back into use

One of Market Harborough’s most historic hotels – which shut a year ago - is poised to be drafted back into use by a renowned international college based in the town.

Brooke House College is hoping to set up its catering operation at the famous 500-year-old Angel Hotel on the town’s High Street.

The school, which has about 270 students aged from 11-19 from across the world, wants to provide meals for pupils and staff at the traditional old coaching inn if they get the go-ahead.

About 42 boarding students would also move in there – along with three live-in staff.

Brooke House College has now applied to Harborough council asking to change the use of the Grade II-listed 16th century former hotel to a Residential Education Institution.

The school plans to carry out minor internal modifications to one of the hotel’s old stable blocks if its blueprint is approved.

The college, which has 105 staff, said the move would generate crucial extra business for town centre shops seriously hit by the Covid pandemic as students walked in to eat at the Angel.

Owned by Brooke House College, the Angel, which was also a fantastic community hub for many decades, has accommodated older students at times over the last 15 years.