Two north Norfolk hotels have been bought by a fast-growing firm that has snapped up more than 100 pubs and accommodation venues in little over a year.

RedCat - launched in February 2021, has acquired the Pheasant Hotel in Kelling and the historic Blakeney Manor Hotel.

The hotels themselves will be operated by The Coaching Inn Group, which itself was bought by RedCat last August.

Rooney Anand, RedCat's executive chairman, said: "North Norfolk is a jewel in the UK’s tourism crown and I look forward to catering to international travellers and staycation destination customers who want to experience the area.”

The 34-bedroom Blakeney Manor is Grade-II listed.

Parts of the property date back to the 16th Century and these were significantly extended before it became a hotel in the 1960s.

The hotel went on the market at the start of the year, with offers for more than £3.25 million invited.

The hotel had been in the same family since 1997 and went up for sale because its operator, Bob Harris, planned to retire.

Mr Harris said at the time: "It is with some sadness that I am looking to hand over to another proprietor but I know that this will be a fantastic business opportunity for someone else and I hope that they will enjoy working in this impressive location, with such excellent people, as much as I have done. I will look back on my time here with fond memories.”

The hotel is in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Pheasant Hotel has 32 bedrooms and was renovated in 2013.

Kevin Charity, chief executive of The Coaching Inn Group, said he was delighted to have added the two hotels to their portfolio.

Mr Charity said: "With these acquisitions, we’re focusing on targeting the highly active tourism market in scenic north Norfolk and I’m looking forward to continuing to build a very attractive portfolio.”

The news comes after Oulton Broad-based Wherry Hotel and the Castle Carvery restaurant chain were sold to RedCat for an undisclosed sum in April 2022.

Tim Gooding, director at Christie and Co, who brokered the deals, added: “Blakeney Manor draws year-round trade due to its exceptional location, arguably the finest along the North Norfolk coastline, which was a key driver in the acquisition.”