Saracens Head Hotel

The Saracens Head Hotel is situated in the heart of Southwell and falls within the shadows of the outstanding architecture of the Norman Minster as it has done for nearly 800 years. Southwell’s history dates back to the Roman era. Over the centuries Southwell has built up a complex and fascinating history. Once known as the King’s Arms, the hotel was established in the 12th Century.

Using many original materials, the hotel was rebuilt in the 16th Century. The reception area, restaurant and above are part of the town's Assembly Rooms built in 1818. Other parts of the hotel were added in the 1970s. In 1651 the name of the hotel was changed to “The Saracen’s Head Hotel”. This was believed to be an insult to the monarchy, due to the story that King Charles I was beheaded by a Saracen’s sword from the time of the Holy Wars. In 1979, oak fronted beams were discovered during repair work on plaster, which had covered them for many years, as can be seen from photographs in the bar. In the 1980s restoration work revealed Elizabethan wall paintings (believed to have been executed in 1590), which can be seen in the Bramley Room and the King Charles Suite in the oldest wing of the hotel.

The hotel facilities include a bar, two lounges and a popular restaurant. The hotel has two function rooms, The Bramley Room (holds up to 16 people) and The Minster Suite (up to 120 people and includes its own bar). The hotel is also licensed for wedding ceremonies.