One of the hidden glories of Southend is set to re-open tonight in an entirely new guise.
The assembly room of the Royal Hotel at the bottom of Southend High Street was built in the 18th century when the town began its early development into a seaside resort.
Over the years many important gatherings have taken place in the hotel as the town began to develop.
It was one of the first venues used for railway promoters in Southend.
Following the closure and rebuilding of the Royal Hotel in the 1970s and 1980s, it was lovingly restored, but has scarcely been used in recent years.
Now it is being re-opened by Royal Hotel proprietor Richard Perry as a top quality restaurant for the town, another piece in the jigsaw of regeneration being promoted by Southend Council.
Published Friday November 21, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article