Hotel bombed by IRA celebrates 160 years

The Grand opened on 21 July 1864, but Together Co is marking the 160th anniversary early

An East Sussex hotel has been serving 160 afternoon teas to celebrate 160 years since it opened.

The Grand was once the largest hotel in Brighton. It has seen many notable people pass through its doors and even featured in an episode of Only Fools and Horses.

On 12 October 1984, the IRA planted a bomb in the hotel in an attempt to assassinate members of the British government. MP Sir Anthony Berry was one of five people killed.

Brighton-based befriending charity Together Co hosted a large afternoon tea event at The Grand to mark the hotel’s birthday, with attendees sharing “stories of connection” with one another.

Margaret Thatcher, the prime minister at the time, was staying in the hotel's Napoleon suite when the bomb was detonated

April Baker, Together Co's CEO, said the event was "a chance for many of the people that Together Co supports to experience one of Brighton’s most iconic locations while meeting new people".

“We hope that this will be an event our guests remember forever," she added.

The Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir, a country band and singer Kumba provided the music at the event.

Brighton and Hove's mayor, Jackie O’Quinn, said: “This is a fantastic occasion to celebrate one of Brighton’s most iconic hotels, which is at the heart of the hospitality sector here."

Ms O'Quinn said the event was a "wonderful opportunity to bring people together".

This year also marks 40 years since the IRA bombing at the hotel.