Rishi toured the newly refurbished Fleece Hotel in Richmond and heard about plans for the future of the business.
Rishi met owner Ben Wilkinson and the hotel management team during a tour of the recently completed refurbishment works, including upgrades to the bar, kitchen, hotel rooms, and public areas.
The hotel closed for two weeks in January while the works were carried out, with works focused on modernising the site.
During the visit, discussions focused on confidence in Richmond’s hospitality sector and the importance of continued investment in the town centre.
Mr Wilkinson also outlined his wider plans for Richmond, including development of the former Barclays and TSB bank buildings, alongside proposals to develop Friary Lodge, opposite the Fleece Hotel, into a sister site with a luxury spa offering.
The visit follows success for the Fleece Hotel at the Richmond Business Awards 2026, where the hotel won both Best Dog Friendly Establishment and the Tourism Award for Hospitality and Retail.
Rishi Sunak said:
“It was great to visit the Fleece Hotel and see the investment Ben and his team are making in the hotel and in Richmond more widely”.
“Businesses willing to back our market towns and invest in local hospitality play an important role in supporting jobs, attracting visitors and keeping our towns thriving.”
Ben Wilkinson said:
“We were delighted to welcome Rishi to the venue to learn more about our business, the recent refurbishment works we have undertaken, and our exciting plans. It was fantastic to see Rishi’s genuine interest in the venue.”
