AN historic Stourbridge hotel has reportedly been sold to a new owner just over a year after it reopened after a major refurbishment.

The manager at The Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge High Street confirmed the venue has been sold and will be under new management from Monday November 11.

Catherine Growcott, general manager, who has been at the helm at the landmark venue since it reopened last July, told the Stourbridge News she was informed of the news last week, although nothing has been confirmed in writing.

She said she and her husband Lalit Ramchandani, who runs healthy fast food venture Taste Stourbridge from the venue, would not be staying on and she added: “It’s very raw at the moment.”

The hotel is believed to have been bought by a businessman who owns other hospitality venues in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, but no details have been given.

Catherine said she hopes to see The Talbot “continue all the good work” that has been done over the last 12 months or so to build the venue up after a period of closure prior to the refurbishment.

She said: “It’s been doing really well. We do a lot of stuff for the community. The Talbot is a brilliant asset for Stourbridge. It’s a beautiful, beautiful place.

“Hopefully the new managers continue to run it like we have and keep moving it forward.”

She said she has been busy letting customers know about the changes particularly those who have booked functions and dinners and she added that she and her husband would be looking for new premises to relocate Taste Stourbridge.

Catherine urged people to continue to support the venue, saying: “If it’s not supported it could potentially shut down and that would be a shame for Stourbridge town.”

Westbourne Leisure, owner of The Talbot Hotel, said it had no comment to make.

A farewell drinks evening has been organised for Saturday night at The Talbot.

A post on the hotel's Facebook pages says: "This Saturday we would like to invite you all to enjoy farewell drinks with all the staff here at The Talbot Hotel.

"We would like to thank all of you for your support and custom during our time here, and look forward to seeing you from 8pm. Thanks again, The Talbot Team."