The new owners of a long-running seafront hotel in Burnham-On-Sea have this week pledged to restore it to its former heyday.
Joanne and Graham Townley (pictured) aim to modernise the Royal Clarence on Burnham’s seafront – but keep its traditional character intact.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, the couple discussed their plans to spend thousands of pounds on refurbishing the landmark.
“We believe the Clarence has huge potential,” said Joanne, who has lived in the town for over 20 years. “It’s the only hotel on Burnham seafront and has been neglected during recent years. It deserves someone who is going to smarten it up whilst keeping the traditional feel.”
“We aim to have a new carvery in place later this year, having just appointed a new chef, and we also intend to get a star rating for the hotel, something that’s been missing for the last few years.”
Tens of thousands of pounds is set to be spent on bringing the hotel’s accommodation, which includes 16 ensuite rooms, up to the modern standards. A smoking area is also planned for the rear of the property, in addition to new railings and a raised area at the front.
“We aim to give the Clarence a lot of ‘TLC’. We find it sad that such an important building on the seafront has in many respects been neglected.”
Joanne is a familiar face to many people in the Burnham area – she previously ran the town’s pet shop, Animal Fayre, in Victoria Street, and Highburn Stores.
