A SALISBURY hotel has been given a new lease of life after an extensive six-month refurbishment.

Riverside Hotel, formerly the Grasmere House Hotel, in Harnham is officially opening its doors on Monday, May 30 to welcome visitors and locals alike once again.

New owners took over the hotel at the end of October and have spent months revamping the 38-room site and its grounds.

Kerry Bowley, of the Riverside Hotel, said: "All the bedrooms have been completely refurbished and have new bathrooms. We have created a fabulous bar, restaurant and function room in this fabulous location."

It was originally built in 1896 as a private house, and is set on the banks of the Rivers Avon and Nadder which has views of Salisbury Cathedral.

"When it was offered to us we stepped out here and took one look at the view and thought this is going to make a very special hotel that Salisbury needs," added Kerry.

"I don't think there is anything like this here. It is in a fantastic location in that you can wander into Salisbury on foot in 15 minutes so it's a very central location but it doesn't feel like that."

With the new design Kerry says that they wanted to be "very sympathetic" to the original house. The colour scheme chosen was greys and olives along with textured wallpapers illustrated with classic art.

A very special guest - a large giraffe statue - can be found on the lawns overlooking the river and the cathedral which the hotel says will provide a fun photo opportunity for guests.

The hotel will also be a venue for weddings and other functions and has already been receiving lots of interest for wedding bookings. It's function room has also got its own bar.

The brasserie-style restaurant and the bar is open to the wider community not just hotel guests.

On offer will be a menu with "something for everybody" from light lunches to an à la carte menu and homemade pizzas.

"Everyone is welcome. We're really looking forward to having people who live in Salisbury and surrounding areas to be able to come out and especially enjoy this terrace in the summer," said Kerry.

"It is a fantastic venue that we really want everybody to enjoy. It is a great addition to Salisbury."

In the future, Riverside Hotel would be looking to host music events and other events like picnic on the lawns.

An open day is being held today (Saturday, May 28) from 11am until 4pm.

 

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