Historic hotel in Boston undergoing £1 million re-vamp

The New England Hotel, in Wide Bargate, was acquired earlier this year by the Boston-based Smartmove Hotel Group.

The building, which dates from the 17th century, is being refurbished inside and out, with a new fascia and exterior colour scheme being among the changes already made. The 28-bedroom hotel also now features a Bollywood-themed, royal-inspired Indian restaurant, The Bombay Club, owned by local businessman Mohammed Alexander.

Smartmove Hotel Group director Alistair Arundell said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to take over The New England Hotel.”

He said the property was in need of an ‘urgent facelift’ at the time of its acquisition.

“We are honoured to welcome Mo, his family and dedicated team of staff to the property, and hope to see many join them as they seek to develop their reputation to become Boston’s best Indian,” he added.

Mr Alexander said: “With a fantastic culinary team and waiting staff, we look forward to welcoming residents and guests to The Bombay Club, to experience our food, 
cocktails and atmosphere, which we hope they will thoroughly enjoy.”

The New England joins four other hotels in the group – three in Boston: The Stanley Hotel, in High Street, Quayside Hotel, in London Road, and No. Twenty Hotel, in Wormgate; and one, Boston West Hotel, at Hubbert’s Bridge.