Premier Hospitality

White Horse Hotel

White Horse
Written by Roma Publications

ÂŁ4 Million investment for White Horse

 

Bespoke Hotels is pleased to announce that it has committed to a substantial refurbishment and expansion program of Dorking’s historic White Horse Hotel, due to take place between July and December 2017. Totalling over £4,000,000, works will encompass the property’s accommodation, including a comprehensive remodelling and the addition of 16 new bedrooms. In addition to this, there will be a total re-design of the ground floor restaurant, bar, events and public spaces at the property, with the aim of introducing a stylish and affordable destination hotel, café and restaurant offering to Dorking for the first time.

Work on the refurbishment and expansion is being undertaken by contractors Paton Developments. Paton was founded over 20 years ago to provide a complete turnkey construction service within the hotel, leisure and commercial market. They are a specialist business providing bespoke interiors, exteriors and commissioned buildings.

Speaking to Premier Construction magazine about the project, David Cushen from Paton Developments said: “Current works are for the installation and fit out of the new bedrooms along with specialist finishes and cased goods. We will be starting the refurbishment to all common areas including the bar, restaurant, new bakery and hotel reception soon.”

Following the property’s closure on 17th July 2017, the dining and events spaces are set to be entirely re-designed with the current total of guest rooms expanded from 41 to 57. Each of the rooms will be finished in a high class traditional comfy travel style with 21st century finishing’s. A high pressure water system, high class furnishings, USB connector ports and Wi-Fi to each room will also be incorporated.

White Horse

“The new bedrooms have been carefully laid out to replace older function rooms whilst the remainder are split on two floors in the main hotel and in the converted courtyard stable block,” said David.

The Interior design of the refurbishment will be overseen by Squid Inc, who recently worked alongside Bespoke on the opening of Manchester’s award-winning Hotel Gotham in 2015, with the aim of significantly transforming the culinary offering by expanding the property’s dining space and placing a renewed emphasis on local and freshly-prepared produce, available both to takeaway and dine-in.

The restaurant will be completely refurbished and renamed The Dozen as a reference to a baker’s dozen. A new grill system will be installed that will be able to cook food at a heat of 400 degrees enabling chefs to keep the flavour locked into the food.

David added: “The restaurant will be a mix of contemporary style that will complete the traditional nature of the building. The restaurant will seat over 80 covers split between the main restaurant and café offering.”

White Horse

The only structural work taking place on site will be to change the rear entrance to allow disabled access for the first time.

Formed in 2000, Bespoke Hotel’s has grown to represent over 200 properties worldwide, and now stands as the UK’s largest Independent Hotel Group. Ranging from specialist golfing hotels, to award-winning spa resorts and chic city centre properties, the group prides itself on a diverse roster and a unique, individualised management style.

“We are delighted to be able to commit so substantially to the reimaging of The White Horse,” commented Graham Marskell, Managing Director – Operations of Bespoke Hotels.

“Bespoke Hotels and our creative partners will be overseeing a complete overhaul of both the accommodation and culinary side of the business, with a view to re-establishing it as one of the region’s foremost foodie destinations.”

Work on the development began in July 2017 and is due to be completed in December 2017.

David concluded: “It is an important refurbishment for the town of Haslemere. There is lots of local interest revitalising an important building whilst adding (enhancing) new amenities. This is a good project for Paton Developments. We love the challenge.”

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Roma Publications