A LANDMARK North-East hotel, which was almost destroyed by fire, will next week reveal the results of a multi-million pound makeover.

The cause of the blaze, which gutted the former King’s Head Hotel, in Darlington, in August 2008, is still unknown.

It left the historic hotel with just 24 useable rooms and its owner, The Cairn Group, faced a lengthy battle to keep it running.

Following an £8m investment and the creation of 50 jobs, the town centre venue is to be re-launched as the Mercure Darlington King’s Hotel.

 

The Northern Echo: ALIGHT: The fire at the King’s Hotel, in August last year

BLAZE HEIGHT: The King's Head Hotel, in Darlington, on fire in August 2008

A spokesman for the Newcastle-based company said: “We worked night and day to keep the hotel going after the fire.

“Through sheer hard work, determination and substantial investment we have restored this fabulous hotel to its former glory.”

The hotel’s ballroom, which can accommodate up to 250 people, has been completely refurbished and two smaller meeting rooms have also been created.

A grand opening event will be held on Thursday.

General Manager Dale Needham said: “We have spared no expense in transforming the hotel into a stylish and contemporary venue, which we hope will be as popular with Darlington residents as it will be with visitors to the town.

“The Mercure brand is renowned worldwide for offering the highest standards and we are confident the Mercure Darlington King’s Hotel will provide a wonderful boost to the town.”

The company owns hotels from as far afield as Aberdeen to London and is one of the country’s biggest family-owned leisure organisations employing in excess of 1500 people.

For more information, call 01325-380222 or mercure.com