A £3.25m hotel, bar, restaurant and private members’ lounge is to open in Chester next spring, creating 40 jobs.

The former Royal Navy club on Lower Bridge Street, will re-open its doors as Oddfellows, an exclusive state-of-the-art design-led establishment.

The grade II listed Georgian mansion was bought by the three directors of Lister Carter Associates (Welland Lister, Gary Carter and Ken Roscoe) – a specialist bar, restaurant and hotel design group who masterminded Michelin starred Thackerays in Kent, Chester’s Upstairs at The Grill, The Cock O’Barton, near Malpas, and most recently The Bull in Shocklach.

They are said to be delighted with their latest acquisition.

Fourth director, Isabel Grey, who will run Oddfellows, said that the pioneering establishment is a major coup for Chester – boosting the city’s long held ambition to become a ‘must-see’ European destination.

“Oddfellows marks a huge investment into Chester’s hospitality economy,” she explained. “The best way to describe it is an open house members’ club with anyone areas and exclusive areas.

“We are set to launch the first week in April and will provide a welcome touch of sophistication for Chester’s more discerning clientele.’’

Split over four floors, Oddfellows will house:

A number of bars and restaurants, open to everyone

A members’ lounge

A garden with a moat, Roman candles, and Bedouin style tents

Four deluxe and individual hotel rooms.

Isabel added: “Casting out convention has been central to creating the essence of Oddfellows, yet traditional values stand strong at the core of the business. The service ethic is admirable and guests will be exceptionally well looked after.

“Exclusive business facilities, dining rooms, members’ lounge and outdoor terrace combine with privileges and benefits (including luxury travel options with Elegent Resorts) to make Oddfellows membership a sought after commodity.

A recruitment programme is underway.