A LANDMARK hotel in Dorchester which has played host to monarchs and musicians has finally reopened its doors following a £5m transformation - and bosses say customers are 'thrilled' to have it back.
The historic King’s Arms is one of Dorchester’s most iconic landmarks, famed for its literary links to Thomas Hardy and hosting a number of famous guests over the years, including Queen Victoria, King George IV, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Customers started flocking through the doors from 8am yesterday when the doors were reopened. The grand opening followed two preview evenings to give staff the chance to test out their service and food on guests.
General Manager Kirsty Schmidt said: “Our two preview evenings were a huge success.
"We enjoyed great feedback on the food, the welcoming atmosphere and the building’s transformation. Yesterday was our official opening and since 8am we were non-stop with breakfast, brunch and lunch bookings.
"Customers are genuinely thrilled that The King’s Arms is open again!”
The 300-year-old venue is now home to a spacious ground floor bar, reception, and restaurant. Upstairs there will be 34 bedrooms – 20 of them due to open next month and a further 14 next year.
The Grade II-listed site was acquired by Stay Original Company – owners of a group of boutique hotels and coaching inns across the South West – back in 2016 after it was closed by its previous owners.
It had been scheduled to reopen in April this year, but the work was temporarily put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Rob Greacen, Stay Original Company Managing Director said: “To say that’s it’s been a long and eventful journey would be an understatement. It’s been a challenging project, but worth the wait.
“We’ve carefully and lovingly brought The King’s Arms back to life. Rejuvenating an old building, capturing its character and natural heritage whilst bringing in modern luxuries requires professionalism and perseverance.
“But at Stay Original nothing gives us greater pleasure.
“We hope we’ve created a very special place to visit and we’re excited to finally be able to share it with guests.
"The King’s Arms means a lot of everyone in Dorchester and I’m hoping we can provide warmth to everyone again.
"The reopening of The King's Arms is another important step in the rejuvenation of Dorchester’s historic centre."
The King’s Arms is part of the expanding collection of unique properties owned and run by Stay Original Co. Founded in 2011, the Somerset-based company specialises in breathing new life into historic coaching inns.
It has transformed four other buildings into award-winning inns, including The Grosvenor Arms in Shaftesbury.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here