The building itself used to be a an 13th century coaching inn, and is set on the banks

of the River Avon, with some classic views of the water meadows and the cathedral

spire. It was the magnificent views that brought the well known John Constable to

the city, to paint these views, and some of his works can be seen in the hotel itself.

The hotel is set near Harnham Bridge on the South side of the city and was revived

by Ushers Wiltshire brewery. During the renovation, the brewery found more than

they expected, the original oak beams and timbers, hidden closets and chimney

stacks. The owners then added a new building, which became the main hotel.

As you pass through the upstairs of the hotel the walls are mounted with ancient

man-traps and other lethal weapons. There are two bars downstairs, one called

"The Oak Bar" which still hosts the original timbers and the other "Avon Bar",

which is the more livelier family atmosphere area.

One of the rooms within the hotel is called the 'Cathedral Suite' and is where

more of the conferences are held, and as October 2004, became our club

headquarters.