The Queen’s personal jeweller, Harry Collins, and the Managing Director of The Savoy, Kiaran MacDonald, last week officially unveiled the town’s newest hotel…One Warwick Park.
The hotel will open its doors to the public on July 1. Close to The Pantiles and combining the former Brew House Hotel, the Old School House, neighbouring buildings and a new building, One Warwick Park has 39 bedrooms, including one suite.
There is also a main restaurant, L’AMORE, serving regional Italian cuisine – which will be open to non-residents – plus a Grade II listed function space.
On Thursday 200 guests attended a launch party, hosted by Markerstudy Leisure, the hotel’s owners, when the opening date was confirmed as Friday, July 1.
Work on the hotel started three years ago. Cutting the ribbon to formally open One Warwick Park were Harry Collins, the Queen’s personal jeweller since 2000 and Crown jeweller since 2007, and Kiaran MacDonald, Managing Director of The Savoy, London.
A tunnel connecting the former Brew House building and the Old School House doubles as a permanent gallery, displaying some of Harry Collins’ jewellery along with the work of local artists, currently featuring Melanie Berman from East Sussex.
MP Greg Clark told guests the new hotel continued the tradition of providing a place to stay for visitors close to The Chalybeate Spring that is the reason for the town’s existence.
He added: “On behalf of the whole community, I would like to thank Markerstudy for doing a major service to Tunbridge Wells in restoring these buildings and making them so magnificent.
“The company does an awful lot for the town, it gives a lot of people opportunities and attracts many visitors.
“The history of Tunbridge Wells is defined by its character, and we should be grateful for the stewardship of these magnificent buildings by people who love the town.”
The Managing Director of Markerstudy Leisure Louise Clark said: “After a demanding construction and fit out programme, we’re incredibly excited about opening.
“A lot of time and effort has gone into ensuring every element of the hotel has been carefully crafted and designed to the highest standards and with the enjoyment and comfort of our guests in mind.
“All of us are proud of the way the historic elements associated with the King Charles II School have been incorporated into a building featuring modern design features such as the spectacular double height atrium at the heart of the hotel.”
Many of the 50 staff have been recruited locally, including Bryony England previously of the Brew House Hotel and Salomons Estate, who oversees the Front of House experience, and Melissa Brooker who has a two-year career in events management with Markerstudy Leisure, and who is Group Events Manager.
“When we open on July 1, we will be an exceptional addition to the Tunbridge Wells tourism sector,” said Louise Clark.
“Equally, we look forward to welcoming local people for a drink in our bars or to enjoy the fine Italian food at L’AMORE.
“We aim to become a ‘can’t miss’ venue in the town’s social landscape.”
For more details visit www.onewarwickpark.co.uk
