Ancient Clare inn gets £250k makeover
The hotel has had a six-figure sum spent on renovations and refurb since Pat Marshall, his wife Susan and daughter Sally took it on a year ago.
A hotel in Clare has undergone a £250,000, month-long refurbishment which has proved a hit with both old and new customers.
Pat Marshall, who runs The Bell on Market Hill with his wife Susan and daughter Sally, invested £50,000 along with funds from Greene King into removing an inner wall, completely redecorating the whole hotel and refitting the kitchen.
The family kept the business open during the work, which took four weeks and marks the first complete refurbishment in around 50 years.
Mr Marshall said: “It has been really good. There are a lot more people coming in that didn’t used to.
“Some areas were hidden away and people didn’t use them. It’s still quirky and works well.”
Mr Marshall, who formerly worked for Copella Fruit Juices in Boxford, took over the hotel a year ago.
Since the refurbishment, two more full-time and four part-time staff have been taken on. Chef Natalie Gilbert, who joined the hotel last year, has updated the menu.
The 16 rooms are all being redecorated and are due to be completed in two weeks’ time.
Trevor Wilson, a customer who has been visiting The Bell for around 40 years, said: “They have done a superb job and haven’t lost the character of the place.”
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Sunday 26 May 2013
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