Mundesley hotel with a link to Lord Nelson undergoes £1.5m revamp

The Fotis family who have run the Mundelsey Royal for 34 years. Back from left: Andrew, Michael, Elaine, and Kenny. Front from left Lexi, Mikey and Sofia. Photo by Mark Bullimore (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

The Royal at Mundesley dates back 400 years to when it was a coaching inn, whose overnight guests included a young Lord Nelson.

Now the family which has owned it for 34 years is carrying out a major refurbishment and improvement for its modern day customers.

The work includes a new function suite, coffee bar and refreshed bedrooms.

The Royal is run by the Fotis family, headed by Cypriot Michael, his wife Elaine, and their sons Kenny, 40, and Andrew, 52.

A hat that Lord Nelson is reputed to have worn - part of the Mundesley Royal's heritage. Photo by Mark Bullimore (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Kenny, who shares the chef and manager role with his brother, said the hotel's customers ranged from corporate visitors from the nearby Bacton gas site, to couples and families enjoying short holiday breaks.

Mundesley was a good hub for visiting the coast, Broads and stately homes, he said.

'We have been here many years, and people know our family gives the personal touch - but we try to keep doing different things to keep ourselves in the limelight.

'People like investment.'

The current revamp began with upgrading 23 bedrooms, with another dozen still to do in the next phase in coming months.

An extension, with a sun terrace, had been built to house the new coffee bar, which was open all day.

The hotel was the New Inn in its early days when Nelson stayed during his time studying at Paston school in nearby North Walsham.

Mr Fotis said the hotel kept the Nelson connections alive with names and themes.

The new Trafalgar function suite had been re-modelled from the former Beachcomber night club, by adding windows to provide more light. It was self-contained with its own bar, and toilets and was attracting events from weddings and parties to conferences. It could hold 140 people for dinners, or 200-plus for conferences.

The hotel also has a bar, with live music some nights, and Sunday carvery dining room.

The venture, which employs about 15 staff, had stayed open throughout the improvements, he added.