Urban and Country Leisure (UCL) is to invest more than £20m over the next three years in rolling out it's The Lazy Cow brand of boutique hotels.

The announcement follows a strategic review of the UCL estate, which currently operates fourteen country pub/restaurants across the UK.

UCL is now actively seeking sites in major cities and market towns for the brand.

The first Lazy Cow hotel and restaurant opened in November 2010 in Warwick.

UCL is owned by hospitality entrepreneur Ross Sanders.

Sanders said the portfolio of boutique hotels will target upmarket visitors looking for destination weekend breaks.

"We hope to establish as a chain of small, intimate, stylish boutique hotels that have a strong accent on quality accommodation, stylish interiors with exceptional food and drink offerings," he added.