See inside Hotel Coco and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, at former Brook Hotel in Felixstowe

 By Ash Jones– ash.jones@iliffepublishing.co.uk

The wait is almost over for those awaiting the launch of a celebrity chef’s new three-in-one venue in Felixstowe.

Hotel Coco opened in the former Brook Hotel, in Orwell Road, on Monday, ahead of the launch of Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, which welcomes diners tomorrow.

Also located on the site is a pub called The Queen’s Head – the first venue of its kind under a new brand known as Marco Pierre White Ale House – which opens on July 4.

Containing 25 rooms, a 70-seat dining hall, a menu mixing French and English cuisine, it led to the creation of about 25 jobs.

SuffolkNews was today granted a sneak-peek inside the building, which was renovated to the tune of £1 million.

General manager, Andrew Vales, who previously worked at The Orwell Hotel, said he was ‘super excited’ to open.

A veteran of the hospitality business for 30 years, including Fortnum and Mason and Los Monteros Five-Star GL, he said the team had been very busy since the hotel launched.

He said the team were also thrilled to be able to launch the first of Marco Pierre White’s Ale Houses.

Mr Vales said: “For us, it’s all about the experience. We want a place where people can sit and relax, have a meeting, a snack – a place to enjoy.

“We’re very happy with what’s been done with the hotel. Felixstowe absolutely deserves the investment and I’ve always believed in Felixstowe.

“The venue is right on people’s doorstep, so people don’t have to go far to get a great experience.

“I wanted to thank Felixstowe for having me back and giving me the opportunity to look after them.”

Renovation work on the building began in January. It closed for three weeks to allow the work to finish.

Work is ongoing at The Queen’s Head.

One worker at Hotel Coco is Hazel Stephens, who also worked at the Brook Hotel for a total of 26 years.

Pulling her first pint in 1992, she left for a time to train to become a chef before returning.

She said: “I always imagined the hotel could look this good.

“I’m a Felixstowe local and I first visited the hotel in 1978 and stayed with my father.”