Pictures: Inside The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp

The George, which has been a fixture of the town centre for more than 500 years, has been closed for almost two years for restoration works.

The newly fitted out interior features a large open plan lounge with log burners, an extended dining room and a Moroccan-style partially covered courtyard.

A special Victoria themed room for the hotel’s famous afternoon teas has been created, called T at the George, and will open this summer.

The George in Colchester High Street reopens today after a £10 million revamp

Flying Trade Group’s Surya Hotels, which owns the George, has signed up award-winning chef Aaron Skerrit to take over in the kitchen with the new brasserie menu featuring English a la carte dishes and daily specials served from 12noon to 9pm.

All of the hotel’s rooms have also been completely revamped in the same designer style as the rest of the premises and the 47 bedrooms feature king-size beds, armchairs, work stations and 43-inch smart TVs as well as modern bathrooms.

Artist Lucy Tiffnet has also painted a mural behind the reception desk to welcome visitors.

Renovation - Artist Lucy Tiffney painted a mural at the George

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The exterior has been painted a classic, light sage green to meet historical guidelines for the Grade II* listed property.

In January 2017, Harwich-based developer Flying Trade Group, behind the Surya Hotels brand, announced plans for the refurbishment and expansion of the George Hotel site.

Plans included the complete refurbishment of The George and the conversion of nearby St Nicholas House into a brand new affiliated 44 bedroom hotel.

Pictures: Inside The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp

St Nicholas Hotel opened its door in December 2018, almost doubling the High Street rooms available to 91.

Flying Trade Group chief executive officer Suki Dulai said: “We have not made any major changes to the fundamental layout of the property, because we are limited by the building’s historic nature, however, we have certainly added a wow factor with décor and furnishings and greatly improved modern comforts throughout.

“A significant part of the project has been the re-wiring and re-plumbing of the entire hotel.

“We have exposed the great history of the George, so customers can feel and appreciate the warmth and depth of its past, while also enjoying the comforts and convenience of modern life, from air-conditioning to Wi-Fi and cappuccino.”

Pictures: Inside The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp

Surya Hotels worked with historians, Colchester Council and a team of designers, restorers and specialist contractors throughout the renovation.

The George site is regarded as nationally important with many features preserved for more than 500 years.

Behind the hotel’s Georgian façade lies a timber-framed building which is believed to date from the second half of the 14th century.

The first known reference to the property as an inn was in 1494, although the hotel’s cellars are likely older and feature the ruins of an ancient Roman gravel pavement.

Pictures: Inside The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp

Mr Dulai added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teams involved for their hard work and commitment during, what has been, a tough year for hospitality.

“They have done an amazing job and we can’t wait to see hospitality businesses booming again in Colchester.

“We also want to thank our customers for their patience and keen interest in this project.

“We have been amazed at how very supportive the community has been while we carry out this vital work and have also been inspired by the extraordinary resilience of our industry to keep investing and aiming high.”

Pictures: Inside The George Hotel in Colchester after £10m revamp

During the renovations Surya Hotels redistributed hotel staff across other Surya Hotel sites.

Many staff will now return to the site, led by The George Hotel General Manager Nick Wildman, who continues at the helm.

The hotel will once again start taking bookings for stays and dining in the restaurant from May 28th, 2021. First come, first serve casual dining will also be available in the bar, lounge and courtyard area.