THE new owner of the Shrubbery Hotel has said that the venue will remain a key focal point of the Ilminster community.

Kevin Newton, managing director of the Shrubbery, welcomed invited guests to a re-launch champagne and canapés party at the hotel last Tuesday (September 8, 2015) evening.

He bought the hotel last summer and over the past six months the ground floor facilities have gone through an extensive refurbishment including the ballroom, the newly-named Revival Restaurant, bar area and the foyer and entrance lobby.

Former owner Stuart Shepherd is still very much a part of the Shrubbery set-up but he will be taking a well-deserved retirement next February to herald the end of an era for him and his family and their long association with the hotel.

Mr Newton said: “Building on the exceptional foundations of the Shepherd family over the past 70 years it is our aim to further cement the Shrubbery in the heart of the community here in Ilminster.”

The hotel had been in administration since early 2013, but it was last summer when the Shrubbery’s future was secured when Mr Newton bought the business.

Mr Newton also owns the Swan Hotel in Wells and his group director of hospitality and leisure, Mark Tobin, will be playing a key role in the Shrubbery’s new lease of life.

“With over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry Mark brings new and exciting opportunities to the Shrubbery,” said Mr Newton.

The Shrubbery started life as a private residence, but was converted into a hotel in 1932.

The Shepherd family bought the hotel in 1956 and it has become a key venue in the town for social get-togethers, club and society meetings, weddings, dinners and fundraising events and dances.

The hotel staff are now already looking forward to a busy Christmas period, while in October the Shrubbery will be playing host to a murder mystery weekend.