Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2016 | Page 104
Food and drink
h
NEW ERA FOR
historic hotel
One of Newport’s oldest former
coaching inns has been brought firmly
into the 21st century following a major
upgrade of its 15 en-suite bedrooms.
The 17th century Wheatsheaf Hotel in St Thomas
Square was taken over in February by seasoned
hotelier Matthew Parker, who said he could see the
potential lying within the badly neglected venue.
“It had been shut down after various operators
had tried their hand at it and failed” explained
Matthew. “The rooms had hardly been touched for
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over 20 years, but with the benefit of experience and
knowledge I could see the kind of improvements that
needed to be made”.
Along with a refurbishment of the bar area, the
rooms were systematically revamped in a clean,
modern Scandinavian style with lots of white shades
in the décor and luxury en-suite facilities that include
free-standing claw-foot baths and rainforest showers.
Flat screen TVs and wi-fi come as standard, in a
move to appeal to business travellers as well as
tourists. Meanwhile, a brand new interactive website
makes on-line bookings simple for a smartphone
generation.
16/08/2016 15:22