It’s hard to believe that it’s now just over four years since the George had its fire in July 2019, but thankfully it reopened in May last year after a comprehensive and costly two year restoration project.
Let alone the effects of the Covid pandemic and its dramatic effect on local businesses, the temporary closure of the George hotel and the lack of its guests spending money in the town, the losses were felt not only by the George but by many other retailers during this extremely difficult trading period.
After a hearing held at the High Court over four days in June, last Thursday, the High Court ordered two companies, Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Limited and New India Assurance Company Limited (NIAC) to pay more than £2.2 million to the hotel owners.
An investigation into the cause of the fire at the hotel concluded it to be accidental and “electric in origin”.
Mr Clarke, Co-owner of The George commented: “insurance is a key element of any successful business – and where complex and technical issues exist, we are thankful the legal process was there to help conclude matters.
We were pleased to celebrate the anniversary of our first year of re-opening with a drinks party for the local community in May. As the business continues to settle in since our re-launch, our levels of local employment have risen to over 50 employees, with a new generation of young British staff who are stepping forward to find a career in hospitality.
Rye continues to be a high value destination for its influx of visitors from South East England and London, with the staycation boom of recent years putting the town firmly on the map to a wider catchment.”
Image Credits: Alex Clarke .
It’s always alarming to learn that a fire was “electric in origin”, particularly where it happened in a public building such as a hotel. I say that without reference to the fire at the George as I know nothing about the specific circumstances there. However, it is an important reminder of the need to always seek out the location of a hotel fire escape, in relation to your own room. Do that as the very first job on arrival at your room, as soon as you have dumped your bags.
Safety standards for UK hotels are pretty high, but staff can sometimes be sloppy and too casual. If a fire-door is ever seen to be propped or even wedged open, see it as your duty to kick away whatever is preventing its closure, pronto!