The Forbury Hotel in Reading, which went into administration in March this year, has been acquired by von Essen Hotels.

The five-star hotel, which was built in 1911, will become the first property in von Essen’s Metropolitan brand.

The hotel has 23 rooms and suites over four floors, with 16 self-contained apartments and a penthouse adjacent to it. It also boasts a 30-seat private cinema and, a restaurant and a brasserie and bar.

Andrew Davis, chair of von Essen, said: “We are delighted to have acquired The Forbury Hotel, the inaugural member of our Metropolitan set. A key strategic objective for the collection is to acquire properties in the UK’s principal cities and The Forbury is a fitting first hotel in this set and a valuable addition to our portfolio.”

The company will launch its second Metropolitan property, the Hotel Verta, in London next year.