Seckford Hall Hotel at Woodbridge has celebrated completion of the first phase of an extensive refurbishment.

The work within the historic building has been overseen by Mark Suddes, operations director at the hotel, working alongside local architect Mike Ashton, contrctor Carters, interiors expert Sarah Foster and English Heritage.

It involved ground floor guest areas throughout the hotel, including the relocation of reception to a new open-plan area and the conversion of the hall’s east wing, which was formerly private owners’ accommodation, to provide new conference, function and lounge facilities.

The restaurant (now renamed 1530 ? the year the earliest part of the hall was built) has been refurbished and a new Champagne and cocktail bar has also been created.

Mr Suddes said: “We are very pleased with all of the areas that have benefited from refurbishment, not only with the décor and ambiance but the improvement in services on offer to our guests.

“We implemented the refurbishment in stages, carefully timing these stages to minimise disruption to our guests and customers.”

Further refurbishment work is planned over the next 18 months, with a new snug bar due to be completed by the end of September.

Plans have also been submitted to extend facilities within the hotel’s leisure club, which based in a Tudor tithe barn close to the main hall.

Mr Suddes added: “I would like to thank everyone involved with the refurbishment who have worked tirelessly over the past three months to make sure it was completed on time by the first week in September.

“I would also like to say a special thank you to Patti Mulcahy, the Mayor of Woodbridge who officially opened our VIP event on Monday evening.”