ACTOR Richard E Grant is to be guest of honour at a Champagne reception at the new-look Oakley Hall Hotel.

The well-known and versatile star, who has recently appeared in Downton Abbey, is coming along to re-launch the hotel after an 18-month refurbishment programme costing £4million, on November 27.

Improvements at the Georgian manor house includes the new Glasshouse Restaurant, the 1795 Bar and Lounge, and 29 additional bedrooms, bringing the total to 50.

The re-launch will provide 20 new jobs, bringing the total of full and part-time staff to 80.

The four-star hotel, which has two AA rosettes for its modern British cooking, uses fruit and vegetables from its own kitchen garden and local organic produce from the nearby Laverstoke Park Farm.

Looking forward to meeting the distinguished actor, and delighted with the work carried out on the hotel, general manager Jon Huxford said: “The hotel is now the perfect escape for people who want to be pampered in luxury surroundings and the peace of the Hampshire country-side.

“It’s also an intimate, relaxed and romantic getaway for food lovers and we’re now much more than the conference and wedding venue we were known as previously.”

For fine dining, Oakley Hall Hotel is launching the Glasshouse Dining Club, and outdoor pursuits in the 315 acres of grounds include clay pigeon shooting, archery, motorised sports and walking.