More than 100 guests attended the evening hosted by Bryan Gray, chairman of Urban Splash Hotels; Tom Bloxham MBE, group chairman and co-founder of Urban Splash; and Jonathan Falkingham, group chief executive and co-founder of Urban Splash.

Amongst the attendees were key partners and influential businesses such as Sir Martin Harris, deputy chairman of the North West Development Agency, Councillor Hazel Harding of Lancashire County Council and Paul Heathcote of Heathcote's Restaurants, Heather Budden, Mayoress of Lancaster and husband Keith, Mayor of Lancaster.

Guests were treated to an evening of fine food and entertainment commencing with a cocktail reception in the stunning art deco lobby. There were opportunities to tour the hotel with guests observing the restoration work that has taken place in order to preserve the priceless pieces of artwork by influential 20th Century sculpture, Eric Gill.

The main dinner marked the hotel's 75th anniversary on July 12 with a menu that mirrored that of its opening in 1933. Dishes included a tian of Morecambe Bay shrimps, sweet crab and avocado with a grapefruit dressing followed by roast loin of salt marsh lamb with a strawberry delice and a strawberry milkshake and rice pudding ice-cream to finish.

Tom Bloxham said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see the whole hotel and be able to enjoy it. The first time I came here was 18 years ago and I still find myself being inspired by the view, one of the best views in England, if not in Europe, and it's great that we have managed to play a part in saving this modern, radical building.

"It has been a fantastic journey for us, and like many of you, the Midland Hotel has a warm place in our hearts."

Bryan Gray said: "The concept we have is to build a group of hotels based on fantastic buildings, such as the Midland Hotel. I hope over the coming years you will see some of these hotels springing up."

For further information on the Midland Hotel, visit: www.midlandmorecambe.co.uk.