Lytham’s newly and extensively refurbished Clifton Arms Hotel, which reopened its doors on Monday 17th May, was visited by MP Mark Menzies who took the opportunity after lunch to congratulate Carol Webb on the Hotel’s wonderful, first rate makeover and renovations.
More than £1.6m has been invested on remodelling the Hotel during the Covid-19 lockdowns. The impressive new features include a refurbished reception and bar, extending the dining areas – with new menus to complement the new state-of-the-art kitchen – as well as a comfortable outdoor seating area on the terrace overlooking the lovely Lytham Green.
General Manager Victoria Dolman proudly said, ‘The design team have worked with the hotel’s existing features to further enhance this iconic hotel. The support from our loyal customers throughout this period has been heart-warming and has given us the strength and determination needed at times to keep going. I also know that our new terrace has provided much discussion for people having their daily walks on Lytham Green. We’re confident the restaurant and bar will be a massive draw to visitors to the area and local residents, while the comfortable, cosy spaces we’ve created will allow guests to relax in beautiful and calming surroundings.’
300 years ago, the site was simply a small coaching inn on the estate of the famous Clifton family. It was refurbished in 1821 and became very popular when the railway reached town in 1863. The hotel was sold in 1868, the auction catalogue advertising that it had ‘100 Sitting and Bed Rooms, has a Frontage to the Beach of sixty yards, and commanding an extensive view of the Estuary of the River Ribble. Also, and forming part thereof, are commodious Wine and Spirit Vaults, where a first class family trade is carried on. Attached thereto is a well-accustomed Tap and a large Yard, surrounded by good Stabling and Coach-houses. There is also on the premises a Telegraph Office, communicating with all parts of the world, a bowling green, and other conveniences.’ In 1936 it was acquired by Dutton’s Brewery of Blackburn and was extensively refurbished.
However, since 1933 this four-star hotel was been privately owned by the Webb family. MP Menzies said that ‘the Hotel looks tremendous’. Having enjoyed eating at the Hotel, MP Menzies enthused’ ‘The food was great’ and added that ‘it (is) heartening to see Lytham’s biggest hotel finally open again. Here’s to a great Summer season for all our hospitality businesses across Fylde.’
