Maidstone's Archbishop Palace gets a Wine Hotel

By Stephen Emerson

1 April 2022

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A ‘boutique wine hotel’ is to be opened in Maidstone after planning permission was granted to a project which will create 100 jobs.

An application to transform the historic Archbishop’s Palace into a wine hotel has been granted by Maidstone County Council.

Kent is the centre of the British wine industry, the Palace is one of the most historic buildings in the county.

Plans include provision for three new buildings in which to house guests. The boutique hotel will also include restaurants and bars and state of the art wedding and conference facilities. The Palace will remain open to the public.

The plans were submitted by Balfour Winery and are the vision of Richard Balfour-Lynn who explained: “The Archbishop’s Palace will become the champion and beating heart of Kent wines, spirits and local food produce. Part of our plans will be to run tutored wine tastings and winemaking and viticultural courses from the venue.

"The Palace will be the centre of the Kent wine tourist sector, attracting visitors from London and further afield. Authenticity will lie at the heart of the offer.”

Balfour-Lynn has an exclusive six-month contract to develop the plans with Maidstone Borough Council and the planning team. With a 40-year track record in hospitality, notably Hotel Du Vin, Malmaison and De Vere hotels, Balfour-Lynn is well placed to develop and run the pioneering venture."

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.