East Horsley’s historic Thatchers Hotel is undergoing a major refurbishment, with the first
phase of renovations just completed
The charming Tudor-style property, nestled on the edge of the Surrey Hills, has finished
refurbishment work on its bar and dining areas, as well as its private dining/conference
room (The Tudor Room) and reopened its doors for business last week.
Work will now commence on the site’s 87 bedrooms, with an additional four bedrooms
being created during the refurbishment, bringing the total rooms to 91. Forty-four of the
existing guest rooms are currently available to book, while the first 43 bedrooms undergo
complete renovation. Its main conference room is also being completely refurbished.
Originally called Park Suite, when it reopens the conference facility will be renamed the
Horsley Suite, in an affectionate nod to the local area.
The first phase of the bedroom renovations are due to complete by Autumn 2024, after which the
remaining bedrooms will undergo refurbishment work, with the whole project due to wrap up by
Summer 2025.
A stunning gazebo and new garden furniture has also been added to the beautifully
manicured lawns and gardens, which have been spruced up, ready for Summer dining and
wedding season.
The hotel will be reopening under the brand name Thatchers Bar & Restaurant.
A hive of activity for almost 90 years to the day, the historic hotel started life as a
tea house when it was opened on May 19th,1934.
Owner, Surya Hotels, has today (May 3 rd 2024) unveiled a series of stunning photographs
showcasing the recently renovated interior which includes a large open plan bar area,
flooded with natural daylight from expansive floor to ceiling windows, complemented by ornate
chandeliers, warm wood panelling and luxurious seating.
Jayne Nelson Interiors and
Amor Interiors are heading up interior design for the project,
with designer touches including, luxury
Sandersonfabrics, bespoke lighting from
Northern Lights,
Jameson Chairs,
Mulberry Fabrics,
Muraspec wall coverings and stylish
Formica laminates.
A partnership with high end audio brand
Bang & Olufsen has seen discrete and powerful
designer sound systems blended throughout the interior offering seamless sound quality.
Thatchers’ restaurant is returning with a new food offering, providing a great dining
destination for East Horsley residents and hotel visitors. Thatchers’ stylish
brasserie will be serving up British classics, as well as excellent à la carte dishes
and daily specials. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served from 6.30am to 9.30pm.
As part of the refurbishment the kitchen has been completely replaced with brand
new state of the art catering facilities.
From July 2024, the restaurant will also be serving up brunch and afternoon tea – featuring
an array of beautiful handmade and quirky cakes, fine artisan teas and a matching
Prosecco, Champagne and cocktail list.
Once completed, the newly renovated bedrooms will feature luxury king-size Hypnos beds
as standard, as well as comfortable arm-chairs and work stations with access to high
speed, complimentary WiFi, wall mounted Smart televisions (with Netflix) and modern
bathrooms and shower suites. The décor will feature an eclectic mix of mosaic tiles and
chic soft furnishings, including striking scatter cushions, with bold,
Designers Guild
wallpaper feature walls, to add an elegant touch to the newly designed spaces.
Harwich-based developer Flying Trade Group, behind the Surya Hotels brand, are also
building ten luxury flats along the periphery of the site which are due to be completed by
the end of 2025, with planning permission granted in 2022.
FTG CEO Suki Dulai said: “Thatchers is a truly beautiful spot in the Surrey countryside, with great
access to London, and it is incredibly exciting to be opening its doors once again.
“We are pleased to have brought the communal areas back up to date with stylish designer
touches and greatly improved modern comforts. No expense is being spared during this
renovation. We are committed to achieving the very highest standards, working with leading
interior designers, brands and skilled tradespeople to maintain the charm and ambience of this
special building, while bringing it up to modern standards.
“We are incredibly excited to finally re-open this much-loved hotel to our customers. Thatchers is
held with such affection by the local community, having hosted many memorable weddings,
anniversaries and birthdays and we look forward to welcoming everyone back through the doors
once again.”
He added: “We greatly appreciate our customer’s patience, while we have carried out this work,
and while we finalise the bedroom phase of this renovation.”
The last refurbishment of Thatchers took place in 2008 by the former owners.
During the renovations Surya Hotels redistributed hotel staff to other local Surya Hotel
sites, including The Hogs Back in Farnham. Many staff will now return to the site.
The hotel is now taking bookings for stays and dining in the restaurant. First come, first
serve casual dining will also be available in the bar and lounge.
A formal, Thatchers Grand Reopening Garden Party is due to take place to mark
the site’s 90 th Anniversary, on Saturday 1st June, 2024.
