Host with the Most

There are seven beautifully and individually designed suites with designer wallpapers, some with feature baths and quirky features. Guests will also be able to have a B&O speaker in their rooms should they wish. Our heritage double/twin and single rooms all have a beautiful warm look created with designer wallpapers and headboards, and all rooms have bespoke furniture.

The secret courtyard has been transformed from a soulless space to one with an ‘al fresco’ Moroccan vibe, featuring lemon trees, a covered pergola with heaters and lights, lounge seating and bar stools. Guests will be able to enjoy small plates, sandwiches and cocktails in this fantastic area.

How do you feel seeing the project finally come together?

The George was in need of major refurbishment and, having managed the hotel prior to it closing, I think it’s safe to say everyone in the town who has history with the hotel has been elated to see it being restored to its former glory. I have a lot of love and passion for the hotel as well as its customers. Hospitality is embedded in my background and I feel so excited to see the doors re-open. We hope our guests will thoroughly enjoy the new look and offerings.

It’s been a really tough time for the hospitality sector over the last year due to the pandemic – how are staff feeling about being able to welcome guests again?

They are excited to come back to the new George and welcome the familiar faces, as well as new guests. The George is a major part of the high street and it will be fantastic to have the enthusiastic, passionate team on board to serve up our new menus and offerings.

What’s new in the diary for The George as it starts a new chapter in its history?

We will be serving brunches also in our courtyard with an ‘al fresco’ Moroccan vibe, which are new to the offering. The level and quality of food and drink offered has been raised with our new kitchen team.

We will also be serving up freshly made cocktails in the new bar and mid-summer will see the opening of our new tearoom – T at The George.

A Victorian, eclectic-themed afternoon tearoom offering fine brewed teas in bespoke quirky tea pots, freshly made scones, bespoke sweet treats and finger sandwiches #spillthetea

Follow us on socials for more information and updates!

#thegeorgecolchester

We shine the spotlight on our ‘host with the most’, Nick Wildman, General Manager of The George Hotel.

“I’m fortunate to work in an industry that I’m passionate about, with my love for hospitality leading my career to roles within Milsoms Group, Elysium Group and Lifehouse Spa where I was the site opening F&B Manager.

My career with Surya Hotels has taken me through several of our sites. I joined Surya Hotels in 2014 as Group F&B Manager based at the beautiful Mill Hotel in Sudbury. In early 2015, I moved across to our newly acquired George Hotel and we commenced our plans for restoring her back to her former glory.

I have really enjoyed leading several of our refurbishment and reopening projects, like when I managed the Kingscliff through its refurbishment in late 2019. I love creating something new, finding new talent, forming the new team, and seeing our success grow and grow.

I love working with enthusiastic, energetic and lively people who share my appetite for the industry. I can’t wait to unveil The George Hotel to our guests and welcome everyone back.

When I’m not welcoming guests and leading the team, I can be found with a cold Chablis in a hot tub or racing down a dirt track on my mountain bike, living life to the full!”