A £700,000 renovation has transformed a formerly derelict service station into the “stylish and cosy” guest wing of a boutique hotel in Outwell

The expansion project at The Crown Lodge Hotel – a family-run business that has been in Outwell for more than 40 years - took just under two years to complete and has created 12 new jobs for the community.

The scheme began in 2016 following the purchase of a neighbouring derelict service station, which was made possible by a commercial mortgage from HSBC.

Tim Gibb, director at Crown Lodge Hotel, said: “We have been fortunate over the years to have experienced high demand for our boutique rooms.

“As a result however, we reached the point where we couldn’t fulfil the volume of bookings being requested – a great problem to have, but we knew it meant we’d need to expand.

“Taking on the old service station could have been a risk as it was such a difference space, but we’ve been able to transform it into a stylish and cosy new hotel wing.”

Alongside 18 guest rooms, the hotel is home to the Rosette-winning restaurant, The Moorings, as well as additional conference and event facilities.