Hospitality and leisure Deal advisory

Moore Kingston Smith advises Lake Merritt Hospitality Holdings on sale of Judges Court Hotel

13 July 2026

Moore Kingston Smith, the leading hospitality multi-disciplinary advisory, tax and audit firm, has advised international hotel investor and operator Lake Merritt Hospitality Holdings on the sale of the historic Judges Court Hotel in York to Risebridge Capital.

Located in the heart of York, Judges Court Hotel is a distinctive Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse comprising 15 bedrooms. Dating back to the 18th century, the property has a rich history and was once used as exclusive accommodation for prominent judges in North Yorkshire, including William Chapple, who is noted for convicting the notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin.

Lake Merritt Hospitality Holdings, which is connected to an overseas investment fund and operates a portfolio of UK hotels, completed the disposal as part of its strategic objectives in the UK market.

The transaction required careful planning and coordination between multiple advisers to address the legal, tax and financial considerations associated with the sale.

Building on an established relationship through audit and tax compliance services, Moore Kingston Smith provided both corporate finance and tax advisory advice in this transaction. The team was led by Andrew Williamson, Corporate Finance Partner specialising in the hospitality sector, supported by James Henderson, Corporate Finance Manager, and Steve Hanlon, Tax Partner.

The team’s work included advising on the transaction structure to facilitate a tax-efficient exit, providing commercial guidance during negotiations, reviewing key legal documentation and coordinating closely with stakeholders to manage a complex transaction process. By combining expertise across corporate finance and tax disciplines, the team delivered a seamless advisory service that enabled the client to achieve its strategic objectives and complete the sale efficiently.

Anak Bijayendrayodhin, Director at Lake Merritt Hospitality Holdings, commented:

“The transaction involved a number of technical considerations and required a collaborative approach across multiple advisers. Moore Kingston Smith provided clear, commercial advice throughout the process, helping us achieve a successful and tax-efficient outcome.”

Andrew Williamson, Corporate Finance Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, concluded:

“This transaction reflects the continued strength of investor appetite for hotel assets, with hotel acquisitions continuing to be a key driver of M&A activity across the hospitality sector. Deals like this can involve complex commercial, legal and tax considerations, and it was a pleasure to work closely with Anak and the wider Lake Merritt team to successfully navigate these challenges. By bringing together our corporate finance and tax specialists in a seamless, multidisciplinary approach, and maintaining a clear focus on the client’s strategic objectives, we helped deliver an efficient, tax-effective exit and a successful outcome for all parties involved.”