THE Riverside Hotel in Monmouth is finally reopening following the flooding in November, slowly returning to normal operations.

The main bar will reopen from Thursday April 16 initially from 5pm. From Friday onwards it will open from 3pm and will then be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings as the team continues to get it back and fully open again.

The Riverside has been in Monmouth was originally known as The Rising Sun from at least 1822 until the late 1980s when the sun was changed.

Significant repairs were needed after the flood, particularly in the main bar where the floor collapsed through to the cellar and had to be completely reinstated.

The hotel itself is now open for room-only stays, but there are plans to reintroduce breakfast service in May.

The function room will remain closed for May for the time being as works are still undergoing repairs.

The Beacon spoke to Manager of The Riverside Hotel in Monmouth, Matt Lewis who explains his devastation after the flood and what it was like to see the building completely water logged.

“It was quite heartbreaking as me and my colleague came in on the Sunday and it was very heartbreaking to see. When we came in, we were like wow where do we start,” said Matt.

“I’ve never seen so much mud everywhere. In the conservatory the carpet had actually been ripped with the water pressure.

“The function room flooring because we had wooden flooring had all been ripped up with the pressure.

“The cellar door is made of metal and that was taken off its hinges, we don’t even know where the door went.

“The pressure from the water was unbelievable.”

The Riverside is a much loved part of the community, and the hotel looks forward to opening up again for the public.