Exciting times ahead for the Regent Hotel in Oban

‘The old drawing room, which is nearly completed, will be an executive room, with all the facilities – tea, coffee, a minibar, a 50-inch TV, a Jacuzzi bath, and a walk-in shower.’

It is an exciting time for the Regent Hotel in Oban.

The updated restaurant is just weeks away from opening, as is the refurbished honeymoon suite.

General manager Darrel Williams, who took over the role four months ago, is keen to bring a buzz back to the hotel.

He said: ‘The new owners have got some great plans for the hotel and I want to be part of it. We have a new restaurant opening in the next couple of weeks called the Marine Restaurant with seafood and local produce.

‘The old drawing room, which is nearly completed, will be an executive room, with all the facilities – tea, coffee, a minibar, a 50-inch TV, a Jacuzzi bath, and a walk-in shower. It will be ideal for honeymoons, special occasions or weekends away, and it can be converted in to a family room.

‘We are hoping for all this to be done for November.’

As well as bringing in new features, Darrel is also keen to bring back a bit of the old.

‘This year, we are promoting party nights, which used to be a regular thing. [We are] doing some special deals and George Noble will play.

‘The Regent Hotel used to be famous for its weddings and we would like to get that back up and going. I just want to get a buzz back in the hotel. It used to be the main venue for everyone. The new owners and I want to get that buzz back.’

Speaking about what it is like to return to the hotel, Darrell said: ‘I love it. There is a lot of history here and the future is exciting. The family has invested in the hotel, so the future is bright. Looking ahead, we want to get the Regent back to where it was, as one of the main attractions in the town for food. We have employed a local chef and the food is excellent. We have had some tasting nights and tweaked the menu here and there. We feel we have it where we want it now, so watch this space.’

The Regent boasts a view over Oban’s new pontoons, which Darrell says will be a benefit to the hotel as well as the town.

As well as all this, there is also a lot going on with the Cellar Bar, which is situated below the hotel.

A new competition standard pool table was delivered last week and the pub will enter Oban’s pool league.

‘The Cellar Bar is looking good,’ Darrell said, ‘and we have BT Sports.’