Clifton Arms Hotel undergoes £2.5m refurb

The Clifton Arms Hotel in Lytham St Annes is now ready to reopen after undergoing a £2.5m refurbishment of the site. Following the refurb, the North West hotel now has a refurbished reception and bar area, whilst new dining areas have been created. A new outdoor seating area on the terrace has also been established, overlooking Lytham Green. In addition, the hotel has introduced newly-designed menus that reportedly complement its new “state-of-the-art” kitchen, and all day dining will now be available for non-residents as well as hotel guests. In order to carry out the extensive refurbishments, the owners secured the £2.5m funding package from Lloyds Bank. The building, which dates from 1840, has been privately owned by the Webb family since 1993. Over the past five years, the 48 bedrooms have all had individual makeovers, along with the banqueting suites. However, its owners said the ground floor was “in need of modernisation”. Carol Webb, director, said: "It's been a tough 14 months for everyone; the hospitality sector has had to prepare to reopen on several occasions but then was forced to close again at short notice. “Last year, the board of directors took the decision to remain closed and focus on the planned refurbishment that we were fortunately able to bring forward. We hope that this will allow the Clifton Arms Hotel to return stronger than ever.” Victoria Dolman, general manager, added: "The design team have worked with the hotel's existing features to further enhance this iconic hotel. The support from our loyal customers throughout this period has been heart-warming and has given us the strength and determination needed at times to keep going. “We're confident the restaurant and bar will be a massive draw to visitors to the area and local residents, while the comfortable, cosy spaces we've created will allow guests to relax in beautiful and calming surroundings.” Jo Etherington, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “The Clifton Arms Hotel is a prominent North West business with a history that extends more than 300 years and is an iconic part of Lytham’s heritage. “Although the hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, it’s fantastic to see establishments using the lockdown closures as an opportunity to upgrade facilities and putting themselves in the strongest position possible to welcome back guests.” She added: “Lloyds Bank is working closely with business customers right across the UK to provide the tailored funding and support needed as firms plan for recovery and growth.”