North House, the high-end boutique hotel nestled into the heart of Cowes old town, has undergone a rebrand, taking the name back to the building’s roots and rebranding as Foresters Hall.
New owners Sara Curran, Peter Sussman and Chef Patron Robert Thompson, who bought the hotel in April, ran it over the summer as North House.
Signalling a new direction
Having had a successful summer, Sara explained to News OnTheWight that they’d now had the time to take step back and review the name.
She explained it had become apparent over the summer that there was some confusion between North House and Northwood House, so they decided to go ahead with the rebrand – it all came together in only a couple of weeks.
The move, they say, is designed to “firmly put their own imprint on the hotel and signal a new direction”.
Why Foresters Hall?
The building was initially constructed in 1865 as the meeting place for the Cowes branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters.
According to Sara, this was one of the biggest branches in the UK, with a whopping 2,000 members. Not surprising given that there was so much woodland on the Island prior to it being reduced as timber was used for railway sleepers, etc.
The building was merged into the hotel by the previous owners.
Any other changes
News OnTheWight asked Sara what changes those who had frequented North House might notice.
“We have the wonderful Robert Thompson here, whose food is outstanding.”
Readers will remember Chef Patron Robert Thompson was the youngest British chef ever to be awarded a Michelin star – at the tender age of 23.
New artwork and cosy library
Another change that regular visitors to the hotel will notice is the introduction of new pieces of artwork.
Dotted around the hotel are artworks by English, Irish, Scottish, Canadian and North American artists, all from Sara and Peter’s personal collection.
Robert’s beautiful bookcase that you might have seen at his Newport restaurant has been added to the library, which Sara explained has “been made much more cosy”.
Find out more by visiting their Website.
