Hotel makes 'difficult' choice to temporarily shut

The hotel has a four-star rating from the AA

A historic Grade II listed hotel in East Sussex said it had made the "difficult, but necessary decision" to temporarily close to carry out essential works.

PowderMills Hotel and Estate in Battle said the extent of the work needed meant it would only reopen once it was certain the businesses could "operate viably" and "deliver an exceptional experience".

A hotel spokesperson said the closure would "regrettably lead to redundancies" but the managing director told the BBC that "not all staff were made redundant".

Anne Webb, who was told about the closure five weeks before her wedding at the venue, said: "You just think, ‘right, well this wedding’s not going to happen’."

Ms Webb, who was able to move the event to another venue for the same day and did not lose any money, told BBC Radio Sussex: “It was like you’re standing in the middle of a desert and then all the sudden there’s just nothing.

“The things that go through your mind [are] the money you’ve spent. Do we just not bother about getting married?”

'Strengthen the estate'

A planning application has been submitted to Rother District Council to reposition the hotel's reception, increase bedroom space, and improve accessibility and both guest and back-of-house facilities.

A decision is set to be made on the proposal by 13 November.

The hotel spokesperson added: "While significant work lies ahead, we know these changes will strengthen the estate and the services we offer in the long term, whilst also positively impacting the surrounding communities.

"All existing bedroom and event bookings from 4 November onwards will be fully refunded and we will assist in recommending alternative accommodation and event venues nearby."

They added the business was "focused on a bright and prosperous future".