The Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa has marked a significant milestone in its history, celebrating its 100th anniversary with a special dinner attended by over 100 guests, including local business leaders and supporters. The celebratory event featured a three-course dinner and a presentation by The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunn.
During the evening, Councillor Dunn presented a commemorative plaque to Garin Davies, CEO of Vine Hotels, which owns Kenwood Hall. The plaque will be displayed prominently in the hotel’s reception area as a testament to its long-standing contribution to the Sheffield community.
Garin Davies expressed gratitude for the support received over the years, stating, “Kenwood Hall holds a firm place in the affections of Sheffield. For 100 years, it has been a part of the business community and importantly, the lives of local people.” He continued, “Tonight’s event captured the atmosphere that has made this hotel so special. A century of welcoming guests, events, and celebrations is quite an achievement, which would not have been possible without our incredible teams—past and present. We look forward to the next hundred years!”
Stuart Symes, Senior Vice-President of Accor Franchise Operations, praised the hotel’s enduring legacy. He noted, “The Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa falls into the rare category of being a hospitality centenarian. With a century of history that has included a great ability to adapt, progress, and evolve, it continues to deliver the warm hospitality that the region is known for. These are hallmarks that stand the hotel in good stead for the future. Many congratulations to the hotel and its team.”
The property, dating back to 1845, was originally built for local cutler George Wostenholm, who gained his fortune in America. Inspired by his love for the New York area, Wostenholm designed his home and the surrounding gardens to resemble the tree-lined streets of Kenwood in New York State. The original house was constructed from Sheffield marble and featured stunning interiors, including ornate ceilings, grand fireplaces, and intricate gold leaf designs—many of which can still be seen today.
Rumours suggest that the upkeep of the estate may have been funded through gunrunning during the American Civil War. After Wostenholm’s death, the property was passed to his last wife’s heiress, Miss Margret Rundle, who was the final family member to reside in the house. In 1924, the estate was sold to the Sheffield Café Company, which converted it into a hotel.
Since then, Kenwood Hall has changed ownership several times and has undergone significant renovations, yet its serene gardens and peaceful ambiance remain largely unchanged. Currently, the hotel is owned and managed by Vine Hotels, a company with a diverse portfolio of hotels and venues across the UK, offering hospitality consultancy services, including management contracts and business health checks.
The Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa looks forward to continuing its legacy of providing exceptional service and hospitality for many more years to come.
