The Imperial Hotel Barnstaple: History, Reviews & What to Expect

The Imperial Hotel Barnstaple has anchored the River Taw’s edge for well over a century, yet its story begins as Litchdon House, a private manor built for one of the town’s wealthiest families. Today it operates as a 4‑star flagship within the Brend Collection, combining Grade II listed character with consistently strong guest reviews for service and dining. This review draws on the hotel’s own history records, independent review platforms, and regional tourism board listings to give you a clear picture of what a stay actually involves.

Last checked: 2026-07-11

Hotel name: The Imperial Hotel · Location: Barnstaple, North Devon, UK · Star rating: 4-star · Notable feature: Award-winning dining

Who owns the Imperial Hotel Barnstaple?

The Imperial Hotel is owned and operated by the Brend Collection, a family‑run West Country hotel group that purchased the property from the Regal Group in 1999. Brend Hotels group histories state that “the Imperial Hotel Barnstaple was purchased from the Regal Group in 1999, with extensive refurbishment and attainment of 4‑star status in the same year” (Brend Careers – Our History). The Brend family has since positioned the hotel as a flagship within its collection, describing it as “the leading luxury hotel in Barnstaple and the surrounding North Devon area” (Brend Imperial – About Us).

Before the Brend era, the hotel passed through several notable groups. It once formed part of the Trust House Forte chain, one of the largest hotel and catering companies of the late 20th century, and later belonged to Regal Hotels before the 1999 sale.

What is the history of the Imperial Hotel Barnstaple?

The story of the Imperial Hotel begins in the 19th century, when the site was occupied by Litchdon House, a grand private manor belonging to one of Barnstaple’s wealthiest families. According to the Brend Collection’s official history, “our stunning Grade 2 Listed building was originally a grand private manor named ‘Litchdon House’, home to one of Barnstaple’s wealthiest families” (Brend Imperial – History). In 1898 the manor was converted into a “family hotel” and was extended over subsequent decades to become the building that stands today.

Historic England officially listed the structure as Grade II on 31 December 1973 (Historic England – Imperial Hotel listing). The listing recognises the preserved ornamental ironwork balconies, bay windows and sweeping oak staircase that still define the hotel’s interior.

During the 20th century the Imperial Hotel hosted a string of notable guests. The Brend history records visits from the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Mickey Rooney, Sir Francis Chichester, Jeremy Thorpe, Vanessa Redgrave and Hugh Grant. While individual visit dates are not publicly documented, the list reflects the hotel’s long‑standing reputation as a regional destination for celebrity and political figures.

What makes the Imperial Hotel famous?

Three elements consistently appear across editorial reviews and guest feedback: the Grade II listed riverside setting, the award‑winning restaurant, and the country‑house atmosphere that the Good Hotel Guide summarises as “beside the River Taw, a town‑centre hotel with a country house atmosphere” (Good Hotel Guide – Imperial Hotel review). The Telegraph Travel review similarly notes that the hotel is “housed in an original Grade II‑listed Edwardian building that was once a private house,” and that it “has retained many of its characterful period features” (Telegraph Travel).

The dining programme has earned the hotel an award‑winning reputation. While the specific award name and year are not disclosed in public materials, the Visit Devon listing emphasises “award‑winning dining” as a headline feature alongside the sweeping oak staircase (Visit Devon – The Imperial Hotel listing). Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor frequently mention “good‑quality and reasonably priced food” as a standout element.

Is the Imperial Hotel a luxury hotel?

By the standards of Barnstaple and North Devon, the Imperial Hotel positions itself firmly in the luxury bracket. Its own website and the regional tourism board describe it as “the leading luxury hotel in Barnstaple and the surrounding North Devon area” (Brend Imperial – About Us). The AA 4‑star rating supports that claim, placing it above the standard three‑star offering common in the town centre.

However, the word “luxury” means different things to different travellers. Guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor note “a slightly traditional or ‘old‑fashioned’ style” that many find comfortable, but which might not align with contemporary minimalist luxury expectations. The Telegraph Travel review frames it as a town‑centre hotel with a country‑house atmosphere – a character‑rich property rather than a sleek, modern five‑star. The pattern across reviews is that luxury here comes from heritage, service and food, not from cutting‑edge design or spa facilities.