Jewel in Tonbridge’s crown is on sale for £3million

The Mead School in Tunbridge Wells gave a professional level performance in the  ISA drama contests

THE Rose and Crown Hotel has been put up for sale with an asking price of £2,999,999.

The iconic venue on the High Street is part of the Best Western group and owned by Andrew Ferris, who has been its Manager since 2015.

It is unclear why Mr Ferris has decided to sell. He was unavailable for comment. Best Western commented: ‘All our hotels are independently owned and operated by the members themselves, so we are unable to comment on their individual circumstances.’

The inn originates from Tudor times, with a brick facade added during the 18th century.

It was an important stop for carriages travelling from London to the coast at Hastings and Rye, or to ‘the Wells’ south of the parish.

A four-horse coach would arrive every half-hour during its heyday in the 1700s and 1800s.

It is mentioned by the Stuart Court, Roundheads and Cavaliers during the Civil War and in the diaries of John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys.

The coat of arms above the porch commemorates visits from the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, the future Queen Victoria. The roof of the porch was used to announce election results.

The town’s fire engine was once kept in the long yard behind the premises, and the Tonbridge Volunteers also kept an armoury there from 1859.

Cattle and general markets were held in the street at the front, and a ‘market room’ provided refreshments for farmers and traders.

Diane Huntingford, Chair of Tonbridge Civic Society, said: ‘It remains an important meeting place in town for many voluntary organisations such as the Lions, Rotary, Probus, and a lot of the local societies, for lunches and coffee mornings.’

George Buswell, Chair of Tonbridge Historical Society, added: ‘The brick frontage was added in the mid-18th century and reflected the growing prosperity of Tonbridge.

‘I hope that if the property is sold, the buyer will recognise its historical importance.’

The hotel, on the market with Christie & Co of Maidstone, has 56 en suite bedrooms, while the restaurant and bar account for 35 per cent of sales.

The current trading year is expected to show a net turnover of £1.2million.

PICTURE: ROYAL APPOINTMENT: The Rose and Crown hosted the young Queen Victoria

Jewel in town’s crown on sale for £3million

THE Rose and Crown Hotel has been put up for sale with an asking price of £2,999,999.

The iconic venue on the High Street is part of the Best Western group and owned by Andrew Ferris, who has been its Manager since 2015.

It is unclear why Mr Ferris has decided to sell. He was unavailable for comment. Best Western commented: ‘All our hotels are independently owned and operated by the members themselves, so we are unable to comment on their individual circumstances.’

The inn originates from Tudor times, with a brick facade added during the 18th century.

It was an important stop for carriages travelling from London to the coast at Hastings and Rye, or to ‘the Wells’ south of the parish.

A four-horse coach would arrive every half-hour during its heyday in the 1700s and 1800s.

It is mentioned by the Stuart Court, Roundheads and Cavaliers during the Civil War and in the diaries of John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys.

The coat of arms above the porch commemorates visits from the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, the future Queen Victoria. The roof of the porch was used to announce election results.

The town’s fire engine was once kept in the long yard behind the premises, and the Tonbridge Volunteers also kept an armoury there from 1859.

Cattle and general markets were held in the street at the front, and a ‘market room’ provided refreshments for farmers and traders.

Diane Huntingford, Chair of Tonbridge Civic Society, said: ‘It remains an important meeting place in town for many voluntary organisations such as the Lions, Rotary, Probus, and a lot of the local societies, for lunches and coffee mornings.’

George Buswell, Chair of Tonbridge Historical Society, added: ‘The brick frontage was added in the mid-18th century and reflected the growing prosperity of Tonbridge.

‘I hope that if the property is sold, the buyer will recognise its historical importance.’

The hotel, on the market with Christie & Co of Maidstone, has 56 en suite bedrooms, while the restaurant and bar account for 35 per cent of sales.

The current trading year is expected to show a net turnover of £1.2million.

ROYAL APPOINTMENT: The Rose and Crown hosted the young Queen Victoria

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