The former Imperial Hotel is set to open this Autumn.
Work commenced in March at the landmark venue now known as The Stroud, with a completion date earmarked for September.
Steph Burrows, the Creative Director of the hotel, told Stroud Times of the exciting plans to create a boutique feel, with the aim of giving Stroud a much better dining and accommodation experience.
Steph, a former professional dancer at the Royal Ballet School and the wife of Razorlight drummer Andy, will also run her PopFit business in a specially equipped dance and fitness studio within the building.
Steph said: “We are really excited to be opening the Stroud Hotel in the coming months. Renovation is under way and we will shortly be announcing an open date.
“The hotel will have a stunning new restaurant, the aptly named Bucknall Bar and 25 bedrooms including suites, a family room and dog friendly rooms.
“Our new function room is perfect for events, parties and weddings and we are now taking provisional bookings from December onwards.
“Our priority is to revive the hotel, with beautiful and contemporary rooms for guests visiting Stroud and a new dining and drinking destination for the locals of Stroud and the surrounding areas.
“It’s a privilege for all of us working on the project to be part of the journey at this historic building and bring it back to life for those that loved it before and those yet to discover it.”
Located next to Stroud Railway Station, fondly known as the Imp and in its heyday was part of the chain of Berni Inn steakhouses, where in 1973 you could drink a glass of Beaujolais for £1.37, dine on rump steak for £1.04, gammon, egg and chips for 90p or plaice and chips for 75p. By 1984 prices had risen and an 8oz sirloin steak would set you back £4.80 but you could still enjoy cheesecake for a mouthwatering 75p.
On a tour of Gloucestershire in 1950 even the late Princess Elizabeth – Queen Elizabeth II – dined at the Imperial.
