Ship Hotel Launch - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Ship Hotel Launch – EXCITEMENT is mounting after a firm announced that an historic Leigh pub will reopen as a hotel this summer.

Ship Hotel Launch - EXCITEMENT is mounting after a firm announced that an historic Leigh pub will reopen as a hotel this summer.

EXCITEMENT is mounting after a firm announced that an historic Leigh pub will reopen as a hotel this summer.

The East Anglia Pub Company, which owns Leigh pub The Peterboat, and Westcliff pub The Trading Rooms, have undertaken an extensive refurbishment of The Ship, with rooms now set to be ready for booking by April.

The Ship Hotel in New Road, Leigh has been shut and boarded up since its closure in 2017.

Planning permissions to turn the pub into blocks of flats were all met with refusal, before East Anglia Pub Company took on the challenge of returning The Ship to its former glory.

Now, with work well under way, the team have revealed CGI images photos showing the transformation of the interior.

Bosses at the pub firm have also confirmed that they hope guests will be able to check in by July this year, in time for the second half of the summer season.

The Ship dates back to the 19th century, and much of its exterior has been preserved, whilst becoming a 15-room luxury hotel and restaurant.

Whilst outside refurbishment has been strict in keeping to the original exterior, the interior will be transformed to make sure it meets the requirements for high-quality coastal hotel.

Changes include a 60-seat restaurant and bar area with a seasonal menu available to both hotel guests and outside customers.

Whilst operating solely as a pub in previous decades, the building once served as a hotel for visitors to Leigh during the British seaside boom of the late 1900s and early 20th century, and has welcomed thousands of guests throughout its history.

The transformation of the premises was originally due to begin in 2020, but was delayed by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, which then caused costs to increase once things reopened. Despite these setbacks, bosses are reportedly excited to be opening the much-anticipated hotel this summer, in an area that is sorely underserved by holiday accommodation.

Stuart Allen, Green Party councillor for Leigh, reportedly commented: “The Ship has stood neglected for too long, so it’s encouraging to see its restoration finally nearing completion.

“Leigh has long lacked hotel accommodation, and welcoming visitors who can enjoy our vibrant town and support local businesses will be a real boost for the community.”

Bookings will go live in April, via East Anglia Pub Company website.

Picture: CGI images of the interior. Pics: The East Anglia Pub Company.

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