01278 228004

Chamber News

You are here: 

Ibis Bridgwater becomes first uk hotel to fully showcase Accor’s Ibis plaza design concept

Thursday 8th April, 2021

Accor has this week opened the largest internationally-branded hotel in the Somerset town of Bridgwater; the 144-room ibis Bridgwater.

Operated by Cycas Hospitality as part of a management agreement with Zeal Hotels and Sandgate Investors, the new-build property is the first ibis hotel in the UK to showcase the brand’s new Plaza design throughout.

The new ibis Bridgwater also becomes the first UK ibis hotel to feature a Keepers Kitchen and Bar; an all-day dining restaurant and bar whose locally-sourced menus champion the regional produce and support a wide range of nearby suppliers.

Jonathan Bowen, General Manager of ibis Bridgwater, said: “We are pleased to open our doors as part of the global ibis brand family and to be bringing the number one economy brand in Europe to Somerset. As travel restrictions ease, we look forward to welcoming guests and to capitalise on our great location at the gateway to the South West of England. While lockdown restrictions remain in place we stand open to accommodate key workers and those with essential travel needs in line with government legislation.”

“We are also delighted to be introducing a fresh new dining option to the area through our Keepers Bar & Kitchen, and to be able to champion the region’s incredible local food and drink across our vibrant menus.”

Set within Woodlands Court Business Park, just 13 miles from Hinkley Point C, the hotel’s initial guests include key workers helping build the UK’s first new nuclear power station in over 20 years.

Thanks to its location by Junction 23 of the M5, ibis Bridgwater is also well placed to cater for British holidaymakers poised to explore Somerset, Devon and Cornwall once domestic travel restrictions ease.

Other facilities at the stylish new hotel include two meeting rooms seating up to 40 people, and extensive on-site parking for 81 cars, plus free coach parking. Each of the hotel’s 40 twin, 96 double and eight accessible / interconnected rooms are soundproofed and incorporate the brand’s Sweet Bed™ concept for unparalleled comfort, plus a Smart TV with Chromecast.

Cristina de Oliveira-Frewen, SVP Franchise Operations, Accor Northern Europe, said: “ibis Bridgwater is the first UK hotel to feature the brand’s new Plaza design concept. It’s an exciting transformation for ibis and we’re enormously proud to see the design come to life in this hotel, bringing an urban modernity to the interior design. The addition of our Keepers Bar and Restaurant makes this an exciting, modern and affordable hotel for business and leisure guests. Together with Cycas we have created a fantastic hotel and we look forward to developing our partnership further in the future.”

Wayne Androliakos, Cycas Hospitality’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re delighted that Cycas’s first hotel in the South West of England also marks the opening of our first Accor property in the UK. We are excited to welcome the renowned ibis brand to the Cycas family and, with an exceptional team in place, look forward to capitalising on the growing demand for contemporary accommodation for both business and leisure travellers visiting the Bridgwater area.”

The hotel becomes the third property opened by Cycas Hospitality in the UK this year, following the opening of the dual-brand Moxy and Residence Inn Slough in February.

Latest news

Save the Date: Somerset Business Expo returns on Wednesday the 9th of June 2027
July 16, 2026

Following the success of this year’s Somerset Business Expo, Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce has officially confirmed that the event will return on Wednesday the 9th of June 2027 at Junction 24, Bridgwater. After welcoming hundreds of visitors, 75 exhibitors, inspiring guest speakers, practical workshops and free business support sessions in 2026, planning is already underway…

Read More
The Chamber Chat Podcast returns with an honest look behind the scenes of Somerset’s biggest business Expo
July 14, 2026

The latest episode of Chamber Chat, the podcast from Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, is now live. In episode two, Chamber Chair Matt Rudd and General Manager Roger Smith reflect on the success of the Somerset Business Expo, discussing the journey from a local business event to what has become Somerset’s biggest business Expo. The pair…

Read More
Free Innovation Workshop to Help Somerset Businesses Turn Ideas into Action
July 13, 2026

Businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Somerset are invited to attend a free one day workshop designed to help transform ideas into practical, sustainable business plans. Hosted by the Somerset Innovation Hub in partnership with The Collar Factory, the Innovation Workout will take place on Friday the 17th of July, from 9.45am to 4.00pm, at…

Read More
Somerset Business Precious Thoughts Wins Gold at the Business Women Unltd Shining Star Awards
July 8, 2026

Taunton, Somerset – Precious Thoughts is celebrating after being awarded Gold at the prestigious Business Women Unltd Shining Star Awards, recognising the business's commitment to helping people preserve their life stories and leave a lasting legacy for their loved ones. The Gold Award was presented by Debbie Gilbert, founder of Business Women Unltd. Winners were…

Read More