Bradley Green assures the Lord Bute Hotel in Highcliffe is secure despite new demolition proposals for homes on the site.
A developer, Elliott Heron Ltd, wants to build flats on the hotel’s Lymington Road site. Their plans include two homes, as well as four larger homes. Green took over the hotel last year. He believes the plan will fail due to strong local opposition.
Even the bus stop shares its name, and the council won’t let it be torn down. The hotel is well-regarded. Green worked with Marco Pierre White and owns other restaurants too.
The hotel rooms just had a makeover and have booked solid all summer. People have tried this before, wanting quick profit by turning the hotel into flats. However, the council has never allowed it. Locals and others treasure the hotel, so it is likely to stay.
Since Green arrived, reviews improved, and the restaurant won AA Rosettes for three years. They were voted best fine dining in Dorset. The hotel and restaurant are thriving. Show nights are popular at the restaurant, and Valentine’s Day was very busy there.
Workers recently found lizard evidence during work, which could make the project harder. The Earl of Bute once lived there. He was Prime Minister in the 1760s. His grandson built sections in the 18th century, and he also built Highcliffe Castle. The hotel now has thirteen rooms.