Having been shut since 2022, the iconic Wickford hotel is set to reopen in the coming weeks after being purchased and refurbished by a London Hotelier in April of last year.
The Chichester’s owner, Ahfaz Miah, has now released photographs showing some of the work done to the 13th century property.
The hotel has been shut since 2022 (Image: Ahfaz Miah)In December, Mr Miah revealed to the Echo that the hotel’s new restaurant would be opening on Thursday January 16, while the rest of the hotel would be ready in the first week of February.
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He said: “The new restaurant, Bazaan, will start off serving south Asian and Bangladeshi dishes but we will also be branching into Turkish cuisine once our new chef has arrived from Turkey.
“We’re hoping to create a family restaurant that will have both outdoor and indoor seating. Our outdoor space is very nice and sheltered and will be a great place to eat.” Refreshed outdoor spaces add an extra something to the Chichester’s new look (Image: Ahfaz Miah)The entrepreneur, who is managing director of firm Ukay Group, added that while he is already very pleased with how the restaurant is looking, he can’t wait to see it bustling with diners.
The hotel’s main events space has been returned to its original glory (Image: Ahfaz Miah)
Having previously estimated the cost of the renovations to be around £300,000, Mr Miah said the true cost has been nearer to £490,000 due to additional and unavoidable expenses.
Every room has been gutted and refitted, and many of the hotel’s public and events spaces have been given a new lease of life.
A new restaurant will serve Bangladeshi and Turkish dishes (Image: Ahfaz Miah)Mr Miah said: “Although the process has been enjoyable, it has also been difficult.
“Some parts of the building date back centuries, which obviously raises its own set of issues and we have worked hard to maintain its look while adding some surface level decorations and features.”
A range of new dining and social spaces have been brought to life by Mr Miah (Image: Ahfaz Miah)
However, Mr Miah said that what he’s most looking forward to is the hotel’s main hall; an area that had previously been neglected and underused.
He said that following a huge renovation, the hall will now be used for community, business and leisure events.
“It now has capacity for 600 people and I’m excited to start planning lots of different types of events there,” said Mr Miah.