Work is set to begin on transforming Salisbury’s Grade II‑listed former Cathedral Hotel into a 13‑suite luxury boutique with fine dining and a rooftop Spitfire Bar.
The Salisbury Cathedral Hotel scheme, led by Fordingbridge developer Larasian, will transform the Grade II-listed former Cathedral Hotel on Milford Street into a high‑end destination that aims to boost the city’s visitor economy.
The development, scheduled to open later in 2027, will include full replacement of sash windows, restoration of internal archways, upgrading of the bay window and a fully reinstated front façade, with all pre-commencement planning conditions now officially cleared.
Barry Robbins, chief executive officer of Larasian, said: “This is a building with real character and genuine significance to Salisbury, and we take our responsibility as its custodians seriously.
“Our approach has always been to let the heritage of the site guide the design, and with that foundation in place, we’re excited to get to work and deliver something the city can be proud of for generations to come.”
The hotel will feature a fine dining restaurant, an al fresco patio, and the Spitfire Bar, a glazed rooftop bar offering a 360-panorama of Salisbury’s five spires—Salisbury Arts Centre, St Martin’s Church, Salisbury Cathedral, St Thomas’ Church, and Salisbury United Reformed Church—as well as Old Sarum.
The Spitfire Bar is inspired by Larasian chairman Brian Currie’s parents, who met while making Spitfire components during the wartime ‘secret Spitfire’ operation in Salisbury.
Proposed rooftop bar (Image: KPPC)
Read more
Pub near Salisbury named cider champion
Creative minds gather in Salisbury to ‘Ignite Change’ through collaboration
Residents must book slots for Salisbury tip under new pilot scheme
New Salisbury shop to give children’s clothes a second life
In the Second World War, 2,500 Spitfires were built in secrecy in Salisbury after the Southampton factory was bombed.
A team of local partners has contributed to the project, including Corstorphine & Wright Architects, Andrew Waring Associates, Forum Heritage Services, KPPC Planning Consultants, NT Surveying, Jigsaw Interior Design, and PWH Building.
Larasian has started working on the site immediately.
Brian Currie, chairman of the Larasian board, said: “It’s been an interesting process so far with architect’s designs and learning about the history of the site.
“We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and to be moving forward with the Cathedral Hotel project.”
Several features of the original hotel in Milford Street were altered or removed in 1929, including large parts of the rear façade. However, the mid-18th century staircase is currently substantially intact and will become the centrepiece of the ground floor.
The hotel is expected to create 28 jobs and contribute to Salisbury’s visitor economy through heritage-led hospitality.
Larasian is a privately owned group based in Fordingbridge, with businesses in building development and renovation, restoration, hospitality, charity work and community projects.
Enquiries about the development can be directed to Barry Robbins or Rod Piwowarski at Larasian on 01425 658284.
