Chichester Hotel re-opening delayed as restaurant to open

The Chichester Hotel - close to the A130 on the border of Rayleigh and Wickford - was purchased by leisure firm Ukay Hotels and Leisure Limited in April for £2million.

Bosses aimed to re-open the whole venue in November but shipping issues delaying the revamp mean the hotel element will not open until January.

However, a high-end restaurant and a banquet hotel - designed for weddings and large parties - will fully open during the third week of November.

The restaurant will offer Indian and Turkish food as well as burgers and steaks, while the banqueting hall has a capacity for more than 600 people.

Managing director, Ahfaz Miah, said: “Managers said that if we don’t open in November, we shouldn’t do it in December as the trade is better in January, that is better than having a slow period.

“That is a period where we will not do so well, so it is not good, but the restaurant will be open.”

He added: “Guests can get outside catering for the banqueting hall, and we will be able to supply Indian and Turkish food though if somebody wishes to bring their own though they can do that.”

The hotel closed its doors in 2022 after being used to house asylum seekers from war-torn countries during 2021.

Bosses are currently having every room gutted and revamped before it welcomes guests again, with carpets and flooring currently being relayed.

Mr Miah is now confident the hotel will become a huge hit.

“The restaurant will help a lot as the holiday period is approaching and we are looking to capitalise off the Christmas period, especially with weddings during the holidays,” he said.

“Weddings will be a big part of the banqueting hall too, there will be mostly weddings there and there may be birthday parties and anniversaries.

“I think people should be excited, our place is big and the kitchens are very big, we could cater two or three types of food, Indian for sure, Turkish grills, burgers and steaks.”