A LANDMARK hotel is set to undergo a major redevelopment - much to the upset of some of its customers.

Due to a decline in business, Clarence House Country Hotel at Dalton is set to close its restaurant and wedding venue but is set to replace it with a new café, interior and gift shop.

The hotel side of the business will not be affected. Despite excitement at the new direction, which is set to cost tens of thousands of pounds, managing director Victoria Barber-Bolam, said it was a decision she had to take to safeguard her business and her staff.

Several disgruntled customers have contacted The Mail upset they have had to find a new wedding venue or will have to change their Christmas plans despite booking in advance.

Mrs Barber-Bolam said all those people who had pre-booked have been refunded their deposits in full but it was a decision she had to take.

She told The Mail: “The market is changing and we have to change with it. It’s a decision we have agonised over but with a significant drop in people coming into the restaurant over the weekends we were left with no choice. When we made the decision, I called all of our customers so I could explain my reasoning to them. We made the decision now so to give people as much time as possible to make new plans.

“Some of them were disappointed but the feedback we got was generally positive and they understood where I was coming from and were excited about the plans.

“We could have made the decision to take the Christmas trade but then shut up shop, but I could not do that to my staff. I have to safeguard my brand and the livelihoods of my staff and this was the best way to go about it.

“The market is changing and we have to change with the market. The competition is fierce and we have to be ready for the new challenges. We’re going to make this a real destination of choice.

“We have not been shut, we just need a change of direction and we will be investing a significant amount of money to make it fantastic.”

The new interior will see a fresh makeover and feature soft furnishing in the style of people’s homes.

Mrs Barber-Bolam said the accommodation would see gradual improvements and everyone involved believes the changes will be positive.

“I can’t wait for the changes, it’s a new and exciting time for everyone concerned.

“We have everything in place for the gift shop and café with a superb view for customers.

“And the shops will provide things to enhance customers’ homes. It is going to be nothing like people have seen before. It’s going to bring new jobs and hopefully new people to the area.

“We are very excited about the new project, but we understand that people will be disappointed.

“But hopefully when they see the finished project, they will understand why we did it.”

The works are expected to be finished early in the New Year.”