New operator for The Dome

Inns of Cornwall and Devon have entered a 125-year lease

Author: Sophie SquiresPublished 24th Mar 2021

The Dome on Plymouth Hoe has got a new operator.

Inns of Cornwall and Devon, run by John Milan and Steve Bellman, have entered into an agreement for the 125-year lease.

They intend to repurpose and refurbish the two storey building as a restaurant and bar.

They were selected by Plymouth City Council following a bidding process carried out by JLL, independent property consultants.

The partnership has considerable experience in the hospitality industry running award-winning venues, including the nearby Waterfront Pub, which won Gold in the 2019 Devon Tourism Awards ‘Pub of the Year’ and Silver for this year’s award. They also run the Three Crowns in Chagford which has just won Gold in the same category.

"Plymouth’s waterfront is a special location and we want to create something really special in the Dome. We wanted to make the most of some of the existing features as well as the view and think the ocean liner theme will be the perfect fit for Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City and of course, those who want a great night out on the waterfront."

John Milan - Inns of Cornwall and Devon

Contracts have now formally been exchanged and behind the scenes the company have been looking at some stunning deco ideas, based on the Art Deco /1930s Ocean Liner theme.

It is hoped that the main bar area could be open for business by July followed by the rest of the building as fast as the refurbishment allows.

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