The Priory Hotel in Bury St Edmunds reveals its new look restaurant
The Priory Hotel in Bury St Edmunds has undergone a major improvement to create a new restaurant and to provide a further six bedrooms.
The £750,000 phase one refit has created a new bar, lounge and the Garden Restaurant which will continue under the care of head chef Tom Theobald.
The second phase will be the creation of a further six bedrooms making the hotel a 55 bedroom facility.
The Priory is part of the Cameron Ventures Group owned by Kelly and Brian Keane.
The group, which also owns the Cedars Hotel near Stowmarket, was named Business of the Year at last year’s Bury Free Press Business Awards.
It acquired The Priory, parts of which date back to the 13th century, in 2015. This latest investment will make the hotel more available for weddings and functions. The restaurant ,which opened at the end of November, has seen a marked upturn in take up.
Kim David, general manager, said: “We have a strong and dedicated team. It has been a roller coaster ride but with determination, sweat and some tears we have come a long way since the opening of the new build in December,The whole team are delighted with this achievement and it means a great deal to us all.”
Mr Keane said: “We are excited to offer this venue with its floor to ceiling windows overlooking the stunning grounds, to local businesses, wedding couples and private functions.”
Mr Theobald said: “We introduced a new menu and wine list to coincide with the opening of the new Garden Restaurant which is awarded with AA one Rosette.
“ All our chefs have a genuine passion for the new restaurant. We look forward to offering our culinary delights.”
The priory was originally home to Franciscan friars, known as the Babwell friars who were assigned to St Saviours Hospital until in 1538 the Greyfriars at Babwell was disolved.
In 1976 is became a hotel offering seven bedrooms with eggs fresh from the hotel’s own chickens.
Eagle Hotels Ltd bought the business in 1998 and during their ownership extra bedrooms were added. In August 2002 the hotel was named the Priory Hotel.
The business has also been awarded three silver stars by the AA for service, hospitality and housekeeping, one of only 50 hotels in the UK to gain the status.
