An historic buildings report on the former Three Cups Hotel in Lyme Regis says that the building frontage makes ‘a very important contribution towards the character and appearance of the Lyme Regis conservation area.’

The report, commissioned by Palmers Brewery from Forum Heritage Services, also says that the back of the building ‘is built upon an earlier building of some considerable historic and architectural interest’.

Historic buildings consultants Sam Hale and James Webb mention the theory that a sketch of the Cobb by the young JRR Tolkien was drawn from a room at The Three Cups, but fail to uncover any new evidence that clinches the location for certain.

The appraisal was carried out in November 2009 and comprises a visual survey of the building, reference to historic maps and documentary research into the building’s associations, which was undertaken at the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester. Additional information was kindly supplied by John Dover of Lyme Regis Museum.

Nigel Jones of Chesterton Humberts, property agents for Palmers, said: ‘The report provides a thorough background to the building’s history. As a result of this report and the earlier report confirming the non-viability of the property as an hotel, Palmers are currently consulting widely with the local community to find a way forward for the site which is commercially viable.’