Leading hotel The Principal York is just a week from a major rebrand – and its owners have revealed more details about what’s to come.
It will become The Milner Hotel a week today (Wednesday, 16 October), named after William Milner, the York Station foreman during the Second World War who posthumously received the King’s commendation for gallantry.
This is the biggest change introduced by RBH Hospitality Management since it took over the management of the hotel two years ago.
More than £2 million has been spent on improvements since then, including air conditioning installed into the 155 bedrooms and suites.
The Milner Hotel will come with two rebranded dining outlets.
Peachey’s Bar & Grill, named after the original hotel architect William Peachey, will feature dishes like Peachey’s beer battered cod and a unique Peachey’s cocktail.
The Swollen Gambler, inspired by Victorian railway swashbuckler George Hudson, will serve the Hudson Yorkshire burger along with classic drinks and cocktails.
Meanwhile the Garden Room will continue to offer the Chocolate Afternoon Tea experience, with chocolate cocktails for extra indulgence.
‘Palpable buzz’
Originally built in 1878 as the Royal Station Hotel, next week’s rebrand will usher in an exciting new era for the hotel, says general manager Andy Barnsdale.
“There is a palpable buzz and sense of excitement among the hotel team as we make our final preparations to become The Milner York,” he said.
“It’s been an incredible effort from every staff member, and we’re thrilled to be able to unveil the full efforts of our rebrand on 16 October.
“To mark the occasion, we are honoured to be welcoming Brenda Milner to the hotel – the daughter of our namesake William Milner – in the coming days to share this celebration with us.”
The hotel will also be hosting events. Between 18 and 20 October, it will host The Milner York Ghost Hunt.
Guests and visitors to York are invited to seek out limited edition York Ghost Merchant ghosts in the hotel’s public areas, specially branded to commemorate the rebrand to The Milner York.