The Veteran Hotel & Bar

The 13 bedroom Veteran Hotel offers respite, holiday and transition accommodation for veterans, and also take bookings for tourists and holidaymakers on the Island.

The Community Interest Company is the first of its kind in the country and was set up by Dale, who served on HMS Intrepid during the Falklands, and John Dugdale, who served 23 years with the Royal Military Police.

“Our aim is provide a free service for veterans in the form of transition, respite and holiday accommodation. Those veterans having transition and respite stays will be supported and signposted in a safe, calm and caring environment”

Within their first four months of operation they have assisted:

• Two soldiers by offering them temporary accommodation upon leaving the Army and supported them in finding housing and employment.
• A local veteran who was suffering with PTSD and needed a change of scenery with no demands on him for a few days.
• A local veteran who had to leave his residence in an emergency and needed support with medical and housing issues, as well as reconnecting with fellow veterans in the bar.
• A Naval Rating from Portsmouth who needed a night to ‘get his head together – after a night at the Hotel, they returned to their ship in much higher spirits.

Providing not only a safe space to stay, the bar provides a safe and friendly environment for veterans, offering comradeship and company that many sadly miss upon leaving the services. General public are also welcome, and the bars decor reflects all three services and merchant service, honoring every single brave man and woman. All profits go back into supporting veterans.