The newly-launched Cairn Collection is celebrating an important milestone for its historic Brighton hotel this year with the 250th anniversary of The Old Ship Hotel’s Paganini ballroom.
Formerly known as Brighton’s Assembly Room, the Paganini ballroom dates back to 1767 and was renamed in honour of the famous Italian violinist, Niccolò Paganini, who played at the venue in 1831. The Old Ship Hotel is Brighton’s oldest hotel, dating back to the 15th century, and is one of the ten historic hotels nationwide that make up The Cairn Collection, which launched in June 2017.
The Paganini ballroom replaced the original Tudor Inn at The Old Ship Hotel, and features an intricate high ceiling, Royal Box and musicians’ balcony. Following George, Prince of Wales’ visit in 1787, a gracious royal retiring room was added to the ballroom. Last renovated in 2009 as part of the hotel’s 450th anniversary celebrations, the Paganini ballroom has retained many of its original features, including the balcony that Paganini played on.
Paul Wright, General Manager, The Old Ship Hotel said: “Our hotel has a fascinating history dating back to the 15th century. It has played host to many famous faces, including Charles Dickens and W.M Thackeray, and taken many different forms over the centuries. There are countless stories and myths surrounding the hotel and it’s fantastic that its historical value has been so well preserved.”
Howard Barden, Head of VisitBrighton, said: “Brighton has been a popular holiday destination for centuries and the city’s history and heritage is a key attraction for many visitors, whether it’s the exotic Royal Pavilion; the stunning Regency architecture or the Victorian Brighton Palace Pier, people are fascinated by the city and its heritage. The fact that we also have historic hotels such as The Old Ship is ideal for those wishing to step back in time and soak up the character and atmosphere of a bygone era.”
Nowadays the Paganini ballroom is used for a wide range of private and corporate events, including weddings and conferences. The Old Ship Hotel also has wine cellars, once smugglers’ tunnels, they are now used to host events and private dining parties.
The ten hotels in The Cairn Collection are: The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate; The Redworth Hall Hotel, Durham; The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton; The Angel Hotel, Cardiff; Stirling Highland Hotel, Stirling; The Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle; Stoke Place Hotel, Buckinghamshire; Saint George’s Hotel, London; Cairn Hotel Newcastle and Cairn Hotel Edinburgh.
The Cairn Collection is part of the Cairn Hotel Group, a family-owned business headquartered in Newcastle, with 40-years’ experience in the industry.