Plans for future of Royal Hotel unveiled

* Above and below: Artists impressions shown at the consultation event of the proposed new look for the Royal Hotel from the river side.

The new owners of Llangollen’s Royal Hotel have revealed their plans for the transformation of the town’s grade II listed venue in what was the first of a number of public consultations.

Back in March it was announced that a local hospitality group which already oversees Tyn Dwr Hall wedding venue and Three Eagles Restaurant Bar had bought the hotel in partnership with local businessman Tom Bellis. 

Part of the announcement indicated that the Royal would be closed in the new year to enable a full building renovation to be carried out with the aim of re-opening it as a high quality, boutique destination hotel in spring 2021.

Held on Tuesday evening the public consultation was said to be very well attended with a dining room full of members of the local public who were openly invited to put any questions they had to group owner and Llangollen man Matt Jones.

The evening started with the presentation of a number of proposed floor plans and artistic impressions of what the re-vamped hotel will look like on the exterior – showing the  construction of a spa and two separate plunge pools which will overhang the River Dee as part of a ‘cantilevered super-structure’. 

Above the spa, new accommodation will be created – each room with its own private balcony to look out across the scenic riverside view.

New spaces will be created within the interior of the hotel, allowing for a more organic ‘flow’ through the building and enabling an all-new high-end restaurant – headed up by executive chef Adam Gaunt-Evans - with the intention of becoming a focal point.

The plans also indicated that new decking would be extended further out over the river to incorporate more dining space which will accompany a new bar/bistro accessible through a new opening that will be constructed.

The design team were introduced as architects Donald Insall Associates and interior designers Blackthorn Design whilst the contractor enlisted to deliver the renovation is Wrexham-based Knights Construction. 

Due to the historic importance of the hotel works will be undertaken in close consultation with CADW so as to ensure sensitivity towards the fabric of the building, according to a press release from the owners.

Matt Jones said: “Over the last few months we have already gone to great lengths to ensure that we fully understand this building and the many different phases of its construction throughout its history.

“Our team have a grand vision for creating a venue that people from afar will want to come and experience. The level of service and quality of venue will be something that hasn’t been seen in this region before.”

The press release adds: "The consultation ended with a number of attendees wishing the best of luck with one man even predicting that the Royal Hotel 2021 would 'totally transform Llangollen for the better'.”