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First phase of multi-million pound investment underway at Blackwell Grange Hotel

ByEmily

Mar 20, 2018

A multi-million pound investment at Blackwell Grange Hotel has reached its first milestone, with the opening of the brand-new Bruhenny Suite. 

The prized Darlington hotel’s five-year remodelling and refurbishment plan is now well underway, with the opening of the half a million-pound Bruhenny Suite marking the first successful step. 

The Bruhenny Suite has undergone a complete transformation and now presents a show-stopping fireplace, perfect as a wedding ceremony feature, a new upstairs bar with an extensive drinks menu and all new modern but authentic interiors.   

Dawn Raine, general manager at Blackwell since 2005, said: “We couldn’t be happier with how the work has gone on the Bruhenny Suite – the final look has exceeded all of our expectations. 

“The feature fireplace is beautiful, and with six new roof lights the space is now bathed in natural light which makes it feel so bright and airy. I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of happy guests attending weddings, events and meetings. 

The complete refurbishment of the feature Blackwell Lounge and main Reception has also been completed – restoring the country house style and glamour of years past.   

“We can’t wait until all of our public areas are complete, the vast majority of which will be before the end of April, so we can present Blackwell Grange’s finished new look to the public. Plans for an official launch are being made, so watch this space!” 

The focus of this initial phase of refurbishment is the public areas of the hotel, including the main reception and lounge, three function suites and four bars; breathing new life to these historic areas in an enhanced contemporary country house style. 

The fresh new interiors of the Bruhenny Suite were the work of Simon Bartlett, managing director at Simon Bartlett Interiors who explained: “The hotel is a magnificent building which is steeped in history and with that in mind, we have steered away from a modernistic approach and have instead looked at the classic features to revert this back to its former splendour. 

“Comfortable and aesthetic, the design combines new and old grand design, with plump upholstered seating with deep button fabrics and vintage finishes; creating a classic, timeless design with plenty of atmosphere.” 

The renovation work of the Bruhenny Suite was trusted to the experts at Darlington design practice Niven Architects, who have extensive experience within the leisure and hospitality sectors. Director Simon Crowe, said: “The refurbishment of the new Bruhenny Suite has seen the room transform into a light, spacious and high quality wedding and conference venue which will re-establish Blackwell Grange Hotel as a ‘destination’ in Darlington and the surrounding region. 

“The Bruhenny Bar provides a sophisticated blend of contemporary and traditional styles to create a wonderful secluded addition to the Suite.” 

Refurbishment of the public areas is set to continue, with the transformation of main hotel bar already in motion. It will be named the Blackwell Bar and reopened on Friday March 23. On March 26, work will begin on what was known as the Parlour, which will become the Elk Room, Miss Allan Bar and the Havelock Bar. These are set for completion on April 19, 2018. 

The hotel is now taking bookings for weddings in the new Bruhenny Suite, which seats 180 guests for a dinner and 140 for a dinner dance. For more information, visit https://www.blackwellgrangehotel.com/weddings.html 

To find out more about The Blackwell Grange Hotel and its ongoing renovations, please contact Victoria at sales.blackwell@bruhennyhotels.co.uk or visit: https://www.blackwellgrangehotel.com/ 

By Emily