Posted: 24th May 2016
Marina Hotel Reopens After £1.2 Million Refurbishment
The Ship and Trades at Chatham Maritime has reopened following a three-month refurbishment and expansion project costing £1.2 million.
Dating from 1875, the Ship and Trades’ basic structure was originally erected in a London dock and moved to Chatham during its expansion in boat building, to house dockyard offices and an engineering shop.
It was taken over by Shepherd Neame in 2001, and transformed into a contemporary bar, restaurant and hotel, overlooking one of the yacht basins at the former Royal Naval Dockyard. Outside, its ample seating offers stunning views of the pleasure boats in the marina and across the River Medway to historic Upnor Castle.
The recent programme of work included creating five new en suite letting rooms on the first floor, two with spacious waterfront balconies offering breathtaking views over the marina, taking the total to 15. All of the rooms available at the Ship and Trades have been fully refurbished in a contemporary, elegant style.
Consideration has also been given to guests with disabilities, with the introduction of a bedroom with enhanced accessibility, including a large floor space, and grab rails and a panic cord in the bathroom. The hotel has a lift to the first floor which is accessible for wheelchair users.
On the ground floor is a new wrap-around restaurant with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the marina, which can take an additional 80 diners. The stylish restaurant is open from 8am to 11am for breakfast and brunch, then from 12noon to 9pm daily, and for the first time, online table booking is available. The chef’s speciality chargrill offers prime cuts cooked to order and gourmet burgers.
Diners can also choose from a selection of handmade stone baked pizzas, along with a delicious choice of pub classics.
Visitors can also enjoy dining al fresco on the external waterside terrace, which now has heated covered areas, or in the comfortable lounge area which has been redecorated, with reupholstered furniture and new décor inspired by its nautical heritage.
Cask ale enthusiasts will also enjoy being able to see into the new glass fronted cellar, which has been introduced as a new feature.
The main contractor for the work was Turveys, with interior design and project management by the Design Management Partnership, architecture by the Canterbury-based Lee Evans Partnership, and quantity surveying by PSE Associates.
As a result of the brewery’s investment, 20 new roles have been created at the site, taking the total to more than 50 full and part-time staff.
Shepherd Neame’s chief executive Jonathan Neame said:
We are delighted to unveil this major new development. The Ship and Trades boasts a unique location in Chatham Maritime, which has become a vibrant place to live, work, and visit, and we wanted to maximise its potential. We are confident that with its expanded facilities and stylish new look, the Ship and Trades will prove a popular destination for leisure and business guests to eat, drink and stay.
For more information visit the pub's website or call 01634 895200.