A COUPLE celebrating their golden wedding anniversary have returned to the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow 50 years after their honeymoon.

The hotel re-opened its doors following an extensive refurbishment earlier last year just in time for Peter and Irena Milloy to return to where they honeymooned in 1969, staying in one of the newly refurbished luxury bedrooms.

Peter and Irena were married at her parents’ home in Cheshire before stopping off in Ludlow for their honeymoon en route to Tewkesbury, where Peter had just started a new job.

Recollecting their honeymoon, Irena said: “I remember it vividly. The Feathers hotel was recommended to us by a nursing colleague of mine who lived in Ludlow and we were not disappointed.

“We had a beautiful panelled room with a four-poster bed and were made to feel very welcome.

“Sadly, that room is still one of the remaining rooms to be refurbished, but we did have a sneaky look at what was called the Writing Room and it brought back many treasured memories for us.”

The couple dined on steak for dinner with a bottle of red wine 50 years ago.

“It was a real delight to return to the newly refurbished Feathers Hotel again,” said Mr Milloy.

“As before, the staff were welcoming and efficient and they ensured that this return trip was as memorable as the first.

“In the dining room the a la carte menu was interesting, and we were spoilt for choice. The dinner was superb, and the service didn’t disappoint.

“It was the perfect way to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary.”

Delighted to return, the couple were impressed by the newly refurbished bedrooms and dining room.

“We were absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Peter and Irena back all these years later and it was wonderful to hear of all their treasured memories of their first stay at the Feathers Hotel,” said Sarah Tunnadine, group sales manager.

“We are thrilled they were pleased with the new look and we look forward to welcoming them back for future anniversary celebrations.”

Crest Hotels completed the purchase of The Feathers in December 2018. The firm is now investing more than £2million on the 42-bedroom property, which includes an aesthetic makeover to public areas, rooms and the function suite, as well as completely new plumbing throughout.