AN historic hotel will throw open its doors again after closing for a major revamp.

The Pier Hotel, in The Quay, Harwich, closed in January for extensive refurbishments, with £750,000 invested in modern dining and kitchen facilities, a new first-floor brasserie and an extended balcony for outdoor dining.

The two previous restaurants have been merged into the first-floor brasserie, which will seat 100 people.

A full menu will be available from noon to 9.30pm, and a slightly later time of 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

On the ground floor there will be a new bar serving food, as well as a dining room for private functions.

All 52 employees at the hotel were made redundant ahead of the closure, and the company will be hiring for positions ranging from managers to waiters.

The owner Paul Milsom is hoping to usher in a new era for the hotel by holding a grand opening tomorrow (Thursday May, 19).

The Pier was built in 1860 and is an iconic feature on the Quay.

The hotel will take bookings online from Sunday, May 22 at milsomhotels.com/the-pier.