Historic Corrie Hotel reopens after £1m refurbishment

Period floor and wall tiling in the refurbished public bathrooms also pays homage to the hotel’s Victorian roots, and all 15 guest rooms feature newly renovated bathrooms.

A sense of community, belonging, responsibility and history, are all factors that are considered by Andrew and Roger in every decision they make. Staff own a share of the company and share in its profits. Local suppliers feature prominently in the restaurant menu and local tradesmen have been used during all refurbishments.

They both brush aside any concerns that local suppliers and tradespeople may be more expensive as they do not have the resources of larger mainland organisations, instead insisting that supporting local individuals and businesses “is the right thing to do.”

In addition to running a hotel, restaurant and bar, Andrew and Roger proudly sponsors young local musicians from the Arran Music School and they also sponsors a number of local events and initiatives. The hotel is also responsible for preserving and commissioning a replacement Clyde the seal whose story is well-known across the world.

Andrew said that despite the ongoing investment in the hotel, prices will always be kept at affordable levels, as the hotel is not just aimed at capitalising on the tourist trade, but that it remains a sustainable social hub for the local community which has supported it so well over the years.

"The Corrie will remain a pub for the local community, as well as a hotel and restaurant," Andrew emphasises, "our pool table is back with new lighting, and we’ll resume our famous Thursday quiz nights in April. These traditions matter."

"We believe in pubs and people speaking to each other. Our vision was to maintain and enhance a place where social interaction happens for everyone in the community. Also, everything we’ve done, we’ve carefully considered its provenance and origin. We’re looking forward to the next 175 years."

Adding to the refurbishment work, the hotel has also employed a new head chef, Derek McLean, who has over 40-years of culinary experience, including being part of team that earned three rosettes and running a seafood restaurant in Iceland. His menu champions hyper-local sourcing, partnering with island producers, including Bellevue Farm, Wild Isle Venison, Arran Dairies, Wooley’s, Robin’s Herbs and Kennedy Shellfish.

"We’re showcasing the very best that Arran has to offer," added Andrew, "Derek’s commitment to island-grown produce – from Arran potatoes to fresh-landed scallops and wild venison – reflects our belief in celebrating what makes this place special."

Further information on Corrie Hotel, its history, heritage and strong ethos, can be found at www.corriehotel.co.uk Restaurant bookings can be made online or by calling 01770 810273.

The hotel remains proudly dog-friendly and is also accepting hotel reservations for spring, summer and autumn.