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An iconic hotel in one of the UK's prettiest and most under-rated cities is to close, with all jobs likely to go. Chester city centre's historic Grosvenor Hotel will cease trading in September, it has been confirmed. Bespoke Hotels, which operates the Grade II -listed hotel next to the famous Eastgate Clock, made the shock announcement to staff this week.

It comes after unsafe concrete was discovered above the function suites of the building, which dates back to 1865. In a statement provided to Cheshire Live, Bespoke Hotels said: "Following the recent discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

"As a result, it is our intention to close the hotel on September 30, 2026. Our immediate focus is on supporting our colleagues in the weeks ahead.

"We closed our conference suites after the discovery of RAAC during recent surveys. The safety of our guests and colleagues is of the utmost importance and the affected area will remain closed as a precaution. All other public areas of the hotel, as well as the car park, are unaffected and continue to operate as normal."

A member of staff said the team was "heartbroken". In a letter sent to staff by chief operating officer Richard Grove, which has been seen by Cheshire Live, it states: "Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.

"As a result it is our intention to close the hotel on September 30, 2026. We recognise that this decision will be deeply upsetting and may lead to the loss of jobs for many colleagues, and will impact our customers and guests, that you have given great service to over many years.

"This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and it is in no way a reflection of the performance of the team. We fully appreciatethe impact it will have on you and your families. Our immediate focus is on supporting you through this process, and we will be sharing further information shortly about what this means for you and support available."

The Grosvenor Estate appointed specialist hotel management company Bespoke to take over the running of The Chester Grosvenor back in 2015. Grosvenor has confirmed that it is developing plans to refurbish the hotel and find a new operator, adding: "'Our priority now is to ensure the long-term future of the hotel given its importance to Chester."

Chester is often praised for what it offers people who live there and tourists. Popular travel guide A Lady In London named Chester one of the UK's most underrated cities. They said it was an "overlooked" location, and "one of the most beautiful in the UK."

Visitors can walk the city's winding streets and Roman Walls, the most complete set in Britain,and Chester Cathedral is over 1000 years old, with incredible historic architecture and rare medieval mosaics.

Chester also boasts the country's largest outlet village on its outskirts, with stalls based in a charming 700-year old medieval gallery. And, of course, there's Chester Zoo, home to 35,000 animals spread across 128 acres of rainforests, caves and wetlands. The Zoo recently opened sunrise view safari lodges, for those looking for a more adventurous trip.