The Yarrow: Where hospitality’s future is being built
The Yarrow in Broadstairs is not simply a place to stay, dine, celebrate or unwind.
In the grounds of EKC Group’s Broadstairs College stands a hotel with a difference.
The Yarrow (@theyarrowhotel ) is not simply a place to stay, dine, celebrate or unwind. It is also a working training environment where the next generation of hospitality professionals learn their trade alongside experienced industry staff - all the while maintaining the standards guests expect from a high-quality hotel.
Built in 1894 in the distinctive Jacobethan style for Sir Alfred Yarrow, the Grade II-listed building has a fascinating history. Inspired partly by his friendship with philanthropist Dr Barnardo, Yarrow created the building as a convalescent home where children, particularly from London, could recover from illness in the fresh sea air of Broadstairs.
The building eventually fell into disrepair and was mothballed in 2005. Plans to transform it into a hotel emerged in 2013, followed by an extensive refurbishment. The Yarrow hotel opened in 2016, combining the building’s heritage with modern hospitality.
At its heart is its relationship with EKC Group, particularly EKC Broadstairs College.
The connection with hospitality education in Broadstairs has deep roots. Formerly Thanet Technical College, EKC Broadstairs College is regarded as one of the country’s leading catering colleges alongside Westminster College, having produced generations of hospitality professionals, including the late celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. The Yarrow takes that tradition directly into a working hotel.
Students gain hands-on experience alongside professional staff while continuing their technical education. They experience the pace and expectations of the industry in a genuine hospitality environment rather than solely in a classroom. The challenge is to provide that learning experience without compromising the guest experience.
For guests, The Yarrow remains first and foremost a hotel, with 23 bedrooms and five suites combining contemporary comforts with touches reflecting its Kentish setting and historic character.
Its restaurant offers classic and contemporary dishes, with an emphasis on quality and locally-sourced ingredients, alongside private dining options. The restaurant also provides an important training environment for students developing their culinary and front-of-house skills.
The hotel’s wellness offer includes a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, while a hair and beauty salon adds to the experience, offering professional hairdressing and colouring services.
The terrace, gardens and wider outdoor spaces also provide an attractive setting for relaxing, dining and events including weddings. The Yarrow is licensed for civil marriages and can host weddings, conferences, parties and celebrations, with the Alfred Yarrow Room accommodating up to 120 guests.
Building hospitality’s future
Perhaps the strongest demonstration of The Yarrow’s educational philosophy is found in its kitchen.
Head chef Tim Cooper began his career at The Yarrow as a student chef, progressing through the ranks from commis chef to junior sous chef. He later became head chef at Reign Bar and Lounge in Broadstairs before returning to The Yarrow, bringing years of professional experience with him. Working alongside him is sous chef Ellie Boyce, another graduate of The Yarrow.
Their journeys illustrate what makes the hotel distinctive. The kitchens where they once learnt are now the kitchens they help lead, giving today’s students the opportunity to learn from professionals who have made that same journey themselves. It creates a powerful cycle of training, experience and progression.
The Yarrow demonstrates that education and excellence do not have to compete. Students are given genuine responsibility and industry experience, while experienced teams provide the support and standards expected of a professional hotel.
For guests, the result is a historic hotel offering accommodation, dining, weddings, events, spa and salon facilities. For young people, it is something more: a gateway into hospitality.
More than 130 years after Sir Alfred Yarrow created the building to give children an opportunity to recover and grow, The Yarrow is once again providing opportunities for young people.
Under one historic roof, the hotel is not only delivering hospitality today. It is helping shape who will deliver it tomorrow.
