MAJOR TRANSFORMATION FOR SEAFRONT HOTEL

A £270,000 transformation of The Royal Albion Hotel in the Kentish seaside town of Broadstairs has been completed by Shepherd Neame.

The 21-bedroom seafront hotel remained open while the five week refurbishment project took place, aimed at bringing the bar, dining area and coffee lounge together into one streamlined space with a lighter, stylish and coastal feel.

The Royal Albion dates back to 1776, so the project was specifically tailored to ensure it was sympathetic to the building’s age and history. The existing spaces have been delicately re-zoned by the use of seating and shelving displaying original artwork and decorative pieces. Carpet was also removed to expose the original wooden flooring in some spaces.

All areas have been redecorated with new furniture, décor and lighting, using a bold palette of blue tones and natural textures to reflect the hotel’s coastal location.

Manager Nicola Fewster and some members of the team

General Manager Nicola Fewster said: “It has been a busy couple of months, working together to ensure that we retained our high service standards while the refurbishment went on around us, but we are absolutely delighted with the finished results. The hotel’s new look has attracted lots of interest and been very well received so far by customers, so things are getting off to a great start.”

The drinks offer has also been refreshed, with an extensive range of beer and cider on draught and in bottle, along with a choice selection of premium wines and spirits, and cocktails. A new coffee station has been installed serving freshly ground coffee along with a full hot drinks menu and selection of cakes.

The hotel’s popular food menu is still served every day, using ingredients sourced locally wherever possible, including fruit and vegetables from Maidstone’s RJ Kingsland & Son, seafood from Chapman’s of Sevenoaks, and meat from Joseph & Henry in Ramsgate.

For early risers, breakfast is available from 7am Monday to Friday and 8am at the weekend, offering on-trend dishes such as Avocado and Poached egg on toasted sourdough, along with the traditional English fry-up.

Lunchtime options include toasted open sandwiches and classic sandwiches, along with a selection of small plates, perfect for a light snack. The main menu caters for all tastes from traditional favourites such as sirloin steak and chips, to a range of salads and a selection of burgers including the new soya Oumph! vegan burger. Due to its coastal location, locally caught seafood is a speciality.

Director of Retail and Tenanted Operations Nigel Bunting said:

“We wanted to retain the Royal Albion’s historic character and atmosphere while creating an exciting environment in which to drink, dine and stay. We are confident that with its new layout and look, and the fantastic team of staff in place, the Royal Albion will continue going from strength to strength.”

For more information visit the website or call 01843 868071.