The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

By SiobhÁn Breatnach

A second-generation Irish man is at the helm of a new five-star hotel located in one of Britain’s great stately homes.

Seán Spencer, who although was born in Ashford, Kent, has roots firmly entrenched in Killarney, Co. Kerry — his father’s home town.

The newly-appointed general manager is currently preparing for the official opening of the Luton Hoo on October 1.

He said: “It has been an exciting and challenging year, rewarded by the fact that I have been able to see the continuous transformation and development of the buildings, gardens and golf course at close hand.”

Luton Hoo is a former stately home, which has over the years played host to many important visitors including Winston Churchill, Queen Mary, Edward VII and Lord Mountbatten.

Sixty years ago the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh spent part of their honeymoon at the 18th century mansion house — and have since returned to celebrate various wedding anniversaries.

The grade one listed building has also proved very popular with filmmakers and was used for productions such as Four Weddings And A Funeral, Vanity Fair and Bleak House.

The new hotel, which is part of the Elite Hotels group, has meant that over 300 jobs will be brought to the Luton area and members of the local community have welcomed its arrival.

Luton South MP Margaret Moran said: “I warmly welcome the increase in jobs Luton Hoo is bringing to our town.

“I am a firm believer in the value of contributions from businesses such as Elite Hotels in boosting the local economy.

“The idyllic and grand setting of Luton Hoo will provide first-rate facilities for visitors to the town and surrounding area.”

Luton Hoo is located on the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire border and will have over 140 bedrooms and suites.

It also includes a spa, swimming pool, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, as well as fishing and boating facilities on the estate’s 50-acre lake.

Other features include a late 19th century sunken woodland and rockery, a Victorian grass tennis court, a pet cemetery complete with ornate headstones and a ‘bat cave’.