The refurbishment of a popular landmark hotel in Stroud is underway.
Work commenced this week at the former Imperial Hotel, 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.
To find out more on the exciting plans for the hotel, watch our video chat with Steph now.
The Imperial was designed in 1863 by Benjamin Bucknall, the architect also responsible for Woodchester Park Mansion. In his honour, the main bar will be known as the Bucknall Bar.
The Imperial was 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.