Ryde Architecture
HOTEL RYDE CASTLE (Esplanade, Ryde)
Formerly called the Castle, it has had many owners and uses, we remember one such owner
In March 1946 an application was put before the licensing Authority at the Town Hall, Ryde, by Mr John Henry Edward King Hoar, of Esplanade, Ryde, for the confirmation of a Justices’ License authorising him to apply for and hold an Excise License to sell by retail any intoxicating liquor for consumption either on or off the premises known as The Castle, Esplanade, in the said Borough.
By December 1946, Mr. Hoar was advertising a Dancing Club on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, music provided by Jimmy Luff and the Castle Ballroom Orchestra. There was also Special Sunday Club Concerts, with Guest Artists.
Mr. Hoar appeared to have a thriving business and became a member of the Ryde Town Council, but he decided not to stand for re-election in May 1952.
On February 8th 1960 Mr. John Henry Edward King Hoar, known as “Teddy” to a host of friends, retired after 45 years in the catering industry. His Hotel Ryde Castle would be taken over by the Salisbury firm of brewers, Messrs. Gibbs, Mew and Co. Mr. Hoar and his wife, and seven-year-old daughter, Susanne, would live at Long Cottage, Dover Street.
During the 15 years Mr. Hoar had owned the Hotel Ryde Castle he had built it up to become a favourite rendezvous of individuals and organisations throughout the Island. From the Tudor room to the Hunter’s Den, the décor reflected his imaginative personality.
The Hotel Ryde Castle dates from Napoleonic times, when it was an observation post for French invaders. During the first world war it was used as a Red Cross hospital. When Mr. Hoar took it over in 1945—the Army had used it for billeting during the war—it was, to use his own words, “Four walls surrounding a horrible mess.” From that day, Mr. Hoar had won an enviable position for himself and his hotel.

Castle & Osborne Hotels 1954
It was on his first visit to the Island, in 1942, that he bought the Osborne Hotel on Ryde Esplanade (a few yards from the Hotel Ryde Castle) and then acquired an adjoining private house to enlarge the building and give it a Continental air. After the purchase of the Hotel Ryde Castle he sold the Osborne, but bought Lizabeth’s millinery shop in Cross Street and a hairdressing salon nearby. Other purchases were Beanacre Farm, Ashey, to add prime poultry and pork to the hotel menu, and the Sherbourne Academy in Queen’s Road. All these properties were later sold.
For several years the ingenious and elaborate floats entered by Mr. Hoar were a feature of Ryde Carnival. Mr. Hoar also exhibited at the Industrial Fairs. He was involved with all manner of entertainments, including Old Time Music hall. Mr. Hoar died 28 December 1968.
Source: IW County Press & RSHG Archive
Images: Roy Brinton Collection and Ryde & Seaview Guide 1954
Article: Ann Barrett