By Isle of Wight Observer
The former owner of The Royal Hotel, Ventnor, William Bailey, died on Tuesday after a short illness.
William bought The Royal in 1994 and helped to re-establish it as one of the Island’s top venues, gaining and maintaining 2 AA Rosette and Michelin awards for the restaurant over decades. He sold the Royal in November last year, 30 years after he first bought it.
A Royal spokesman said: “The thoughts of all at The Royal Hotel are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“William was a significant figure on the Island, and was highly valued as a friend, as well as an employer, by all at The Royal Hotel who knew him. He will be deeply missed.”
Mohamed Bathich, new owner of the hotel, also paid tribute. He said: “William highly valued the team at the hotel, and it is a sign of his commitment to their welfare that so many of the team have been at the hotel for many years – some from shortly after he bought it.
“It was this achievement by William that so attracted me to purchasing the hotel.”