Jobs boost as historic hotel set to expand

A popular city hotel is set to create 25 new jobs by almost doubling the size of its restaurant.

Plans to extend the historic Falstaff Hotel in St Dunstan’s have been agreed by city planners and will involve the construction of a conservatory in its courtyard, which will boost the number of dining covers from 44 to 84.

The work also includes enlarging the existing kitchen, which the hotel owners say is already too confined for the demand of the busy venue.

A new reception area and residents’ lounge will also be created by removing four of the ground floor bedrooms.

The number of employees will increase, with the 14 full-time roles growing to 29 once the work is complete, and part-time roles from 35 to 45.

The Grade Ii-listed hotel, which straddles two conservation areas, was previously a coaching inn and the carriage arch can be seen from St Dunstan’s Street.

It dates back to 1403 but is made up of a collection of buildings of varying dates.

It is believed to have been a hotel since the 16th century and was first named The Falstaff Inn in 1783.

The planning statement said: “The present proposals reflect the evolving requirements of the Falstaff Hotel and the continuing commitment to the hotel’s success by the owner.”

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