One of Alderney's landmark hotel and restaurants will soon reopen with a new name, following a complete transformation over the winter months.
Local businessman Martin Smith will lead the rebirth of the Chez Andre Hotel and Restaurant, which was bought by Liberation Group in autumn 2015 as part of the company's growth strategy.Mr. Smith who has taken the tenancy for the Hotel is a fourth generation hotelier and has many years' experience in the hospitality, leisure and event management industries both locally and in the UK, and is currently running his own activity business from Alderney, Island Adventures.
The landmark property isone of the Island's largest hotels and is situated in the heart of St Anne. With Mr. Smith at the helm it will be renamed the Adventurer's Rest and Chez Bar and will reopen as a family-friendly traditional inn offering good value food, drink and accommodation.
The hotel has 20 bedrooms, a bar and restaurant that can cater for up to 60 covers. There is also an Orangery and two al fresco areas. Liberation Group has invested a significant sum in creating a new look and feel for the property, which will be a totally new concept for Alderney.
The new public bar has been designed with contrasting contemporary, classic and an industrial twist that is unlike anything else in Alderney. The bedrooms are large, airy and each has its own character. Everything about the venue is a little bit quirky and has its own story to tell.
Kenrick Brooks, Operations Director for Liberation Group said: "The Adventurer's Rest is an important venue in Alderney and with Martin Smith we are working on bringing it back to life and into the 21st Century, which will be good for residents and tourists alike. We look forward to working with Martin and are excited about the opportunity, experience and knowledge he will bring."
Martin Smith said: "I am passionate about Alderney and in particular about creating an excellent product for islanders and visitors. Liberation Group is making a significant investment not only in the Adventurer's Rest, but also in the wider Alderney economy and I am looking forward to being a part of that.
"Our aim is to build on our ability through Island Adventures to organise inspired events such as team building and other corporate entertainment, as well as attracting social groups and clubs to enjoy all of the island's hospitality. The Adventurer's Rest and Chez Bar will provide the perfect focal points for these activities and for Alderney inhabitants old and new."
The Adventurer's Rest is the second hotel to join Liberation Group's growing Channel Island portfolio of iconic properties. In 2014 the company acquired the Old Court House at St Aubin in Jersey and has turned it into a high quality inn, bar and restaurant.