A HISTORIC town centre hotel will reopen its doors next week after a £10 million revamp, it has been announced.

The Grade-II George Hotel, in High Street, will reopen to the public for the first time on Friday, May 28, following a total refurbishment.

The hotel has been a hub of activity in Colchester for more than 500 years, but closed at the end of July 2019 as works on the renovation to begin.

In the run up to reopening, owner Surya Hotels, has given residents a sneak peak of the premises via the George Hotel Instagram account.

Gazette:

  • Designs for the new afternoon tea area 

Photos posted include artists impressions of its new Moroccan-style partially covered courtyard and Victorian-inspired afternoon tea room - called T at The George - which will open this summer.

Posts of designers' touches across the hotel have also been revealed including close-ups of luxury Sanderson fabrics and a partnership with high end audio brand Bang & Olufsen, which has been installing sound systems across the site.

Award-winning local artist Lucy Tiffney has even been commissioned to paint a stunning mural behind the reception desk.

Gazette:

  • The George Hotel has undergone a £10m revamp 

The artist, who has over 70,000 followers on Instagram, is renowned for her colourful designs and has titled the bespoke work ‘Jaipur Sky’.

In the kitchen, award-winning chef Aaron Skerrit, former head chef of establishments like Milsoms Hotels & Restaurants, will be taking the helm at the George.

The restaurant will return from next Friday with a superior food offering and the owners want to see it become one of the town's top dining destinations.

Gazette:

  • A hallway inside the revamp George Hotel

Suki Dulai, chief executive officer of the Flying Trade Group

Suki Dulai, chief executive officer of the Flying Trade Group, which is behind the Surya Hotels brand, said: "The George is a beautiful and nationally rare building and it is incredibly exciting to be on the verge of opening its doors once again.

“We feel greatly privileged to have been tasked with bringing this historic site into the 21st century while respecting its amazing heritage.

“Whilst we have brought the hotel back up to date with modern comforts our focus has always been to retain the charm and ambience of this beautiful hotel and preserve the historical atmosphere of the building.

"Despite unexpected set backs with the pandemic and the refurbishment going well over budget, and schedule, we have remained committed to getting this project spot on – funding the excess without cutting any corners.

"It has been a painstaking project but we are incredibly proud to have played a part in returning this magnificent site to its former glory and can’t wait to share the full details next week when we start welcoming our loyal customers back.”

Gazette:

  • How the new outside dining courtyard could look 

Surya Hotels has worked with historians, Colchester Council, designers, restorers, joiners and specialist contractors throughout the renovation.

Bookings are available from Friday, May 28, with some first come first serve space available in the bar, lounge and courtyard.

To keep up to date with the latest news follow The George’s Instagram accounts @thegeorgecolchester and @teaatthegeorge.