The Gresham Aparthotel in Leicester has announced it is closing its onsite restaurant, as part of a wider strategic shift away from casual dining.

The restaurant, run by Black Iron Social until 2024, has experienced a decrease in footfall and steady drop in pre-bookings over recent years.

The luxury aparthotel said its closure will let the team focus on enhancing its core hospitality offering, while adapting to changing guest priorities and an increasing demand for flexible, high-quality accommodation experiences.

To see through the transformation, the business has promoted Dominique Haines from reservations manager to hotel sales and operations manager and elevated Ashley D’Mellow to the position of duty manager.

Despite the restaurant’s closure, the establishment will still roll out a consistent breakfast offering, while its bar and former restaurant space will remain available for private hire and events.

The venue said that the former restaurant’s fully equipped kitchen will also be offered for private hire, with groups organising events focused on Caribbean and Indian cuisine already expressing interest.

Officially opening in November 2021 following a £17m refurbishment, the Gresham Aparthotel is made up of 121 serviced apartments featuring kitchenettes, en suite shower rooms and work and exploration areas.

It is situated on Leicester’s Market Street in the former Fenwick department store building, a Grade-II listed property.

Mark Hills, general manager at The Gresham, said: “We’ve seen a shift in how guests choose to spend during their stay, particularly in light of the wider cost-of-living landscape. This has given us an opportunity to refocus on what we do best, expanding opportunities to create memorable and personalised stays.

“We have a number of exciting developments in the pipeline, all designed to further elevate the guest experience, from thoughtful in-room touches such as welcome hampers to enhanced service offerings and convenient bookable extras. The bar will remain open and available to both guests and walk-ins.”

Haines added: “We’re entering a new era of hospitality, where guests are looking for more than just a place to stay – they want space, comfort, and a personalised experience. At The Gresham, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment where guests feel at home, whether they’re staying for one night or several months.

“As an independent aparthotel with a passionate and dedicated team, we value the relationships we build with our guests and are always looking for ways to make each stay truly special.”