A historic hotel has proved it is catering for its modern day guests as it celebrates the completion of a £150,000 revamp to its city centre entrance.
The scheme at the Maids Head Hotel, which dates back to the 12th century, has seen an overhaul to the reception and lounges, as well as the creation of a new revolving door entrance off Tombland.
It also included work to uncover an entrance from the 1890s, which was designed by Norwich historian Walter Rye when he owned the hotel from 1889 to 1895.
Yesterday, the Dean of Norwich, the Very Reverend Jane Hedges, joined hotel staff and customers to celebrate as the work came to a close.
Christine Malcolm, general manager of the hotel, said: 'Our owners, the Chaplin family, have embarked on a range of sympathetic refurbishment and renovation projects, to ensure that our historic building meets the expectations of 21st century visitors.
'Our new entrance and reception area provides a much more welcoming environment with lovely views out onto Tombland. We have also been pleased to be able to work with a range of local contractors and suppliers on this project.'
She thanked the Dean of Norwich for attending and spoke of the hotel's 'long relationship' with Norwich Cathedral.
'The first Norman Bishop, Herbert de Losinga, lived on this site,' she said. 'His palace eventually became the Murtel Fish Inn, which was the Maids Head's predecessor.'
The new entrance is a redevelopment of one created in 1957 and is in an extension added to the hotel by Mr Rye.
The 1950s entrance was created after the hotel acquired the former Cavell Home for District Nurses, which is next door on Tombland.
The Dean of Norwich added: 'We are delighted to have such a close relationship with the Maids Head.
'We share so much common history and there are many opportunities for us to work together to bring more visitors to Norwich.'
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