Lord Bute Hotel in Highcliffe ‘not going anywhere’ says proprietor Bradley Green after developer Elliott Heron Ltd submits demolition plans for homes

A historic landmark in Highcliffe is “not going anywhere” – so says the operator of the Lord Bute Hotel after a planning application to demolish it was submitted.

Bradley Green, who runs the popular Highcliffe hotel and restaurant of the same name, said: “The hotel has been here for 35 years – and will be here for at least another 35.”

“We love it here. We are open for business and are not going anywhere. Both the hotel and restaurant are going from strength to strength.”

As the A&T reported, developer Elliott Heron Ltd wants to create two three-bedroom homes and four four-bedroom homes on the Lymington Road site.

But Mr Green who took over the hotel in 2023 said: “It is not going to happen. The opposition to it will be huge.

“The bus stop outside is actually called the Lord Bute, that is how well known it is. BCP Council will not allow a hotel with such a great reputation to be torn down.”

Mr Green who trained with renowned chef Marco Pierre White and owns several successful restaurants in the UK, revealed the hotel rooms have just been “totally refurbished” and “are fully booked all summer”.

He said: “In the history of the Lord Bute this has happened several times. Someone comes along and thinks they can make a bit of quick money by turning the hotel into flats.

“But it has never been allowed and it won’t be this time. It is too treasured locally and beyond for that to happen.”

Since Mr Green took over the lease of both establishments, they have earned glowing reviews, with the restaurant earning two AA Rosettes for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

He said: “We have just been voted the best fine dining restaurant in Dorset. We are going from strength to strength with both the hotel and the restaurant.

“We have great things coming up for the restaurant including show nights which are proving very popular.”

“Valentine’s Day was completely manic here.”

He revealed that during recent work at the hotel evidence of sand lizards was found which could make future development difficult.

Once the former residence of John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute and Prime Minister of England from 1762-63, it was then called High Cliff.

Sections of the hotel were 18th century lodges built by his grandson, Lord Stuart de Rothesay who also built Highcliffe Castle. It currently has 13 bedrooms including four luxury suites.

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