THERE was an extra touch of glamour at the re-launch of Oakley Hall Hotel – thanks to the presence of popular actor Richard E Grant.

The versatile star, who recently appeared in ITV’s Downton Abbey as Simon Bricker – a guest of the Granthams – did the ribbon-cutting honours at the luxury hotel, following an 18-month-long refurbishment programme costing £4million.

At a Champagne reception, he mingled with guests, meeting the Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner and Tricia Gardiner.

The star, whose credits include cult British film Withnail And I and Sky Atlantic’s Richard E Grant’s Hotel Secrets, was clearly impressed with what he saw.

In a jovial and light-hearted mood, the self-effacing actor described himself as being completely “fraudulent” having been asked to re-launch Oakley Hall Hotel, through a mutual friend, because of his Sky Atlantic series.

He said: “Because I’m now an expert on hotels, having flown all around the world, I am just astonished at the level of the finish of everything I’ve seen.”

He was full of praise for hotel general manager Jon Huxford for his efficient and easy manner in keeping guests happy and calm while the refurbishment work was being carried out.

“I want someone like Jon. I don’t know if I can adopt him, but I want a bit of that in my life, so that I can keep calm at all times,” quipped the affable actor.

Improvements at the Georgian manor house, which has a distinguished past with links to romantic novelist Jane Austen, include the new Glasshouse Restaurant, the 1795 Bar and Lounge, and 29 additional bedrooms, bringing the total to 50.

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

Oakley Hall Hotel director Frank Fogarty said: “Today marks a milestone for our company, this building and this estate.

“My father acquired the property some 20 years ago, and it was in a dilapidated and derelict condition.

“And so to see it now in this condition and also with the capacity in terms of bedrooms, conference room and marquee is something I’m very proud of.”

He too praised Mr Huxford and his team who, he said, “have dug in and kept the operation running to a very high standard, despite the disruption that this work entailed.”