The 65-room hotel was located by a canal and it has been reported that all staff have been made redundant
A popular hotel and restaurant has suddenly closed after 46 years – leaving customers devastated.
Guys Thatched Hamlet off the A6 near Bilsborrow in Lancashire has confirmed it has now shut. The 65-room hotel was located by the canal on St Michael’s Road. It has been reported that all staff have been made redundant.
A notice has been taped to the entrance of the hotel, confirming its closure. The site covered almost 14 acres and included a tavern, restaurant, sports pavilion, function rooms, cricket ground, bowling green and three car parks.
The note, as reported by the Lancashire Post, said: “After 46 years of trading, we can confirm Guy’s Thatched Hamlet has now closed.
“This has been a difficult decision and one made with considerable thought. We would like to sincerely thank our customers, staff and suppliers for their loyalty and support over the years.
“The hamlet has meant a great deal to many people, and as it moves through a period of transition, our focus is on bringing this chapter to a close.”
Distraught customers have been responding to the news on social media. One said: “Where my hubby proposed to me in 2012.” Another replied: “I also got engaged here in 2015. Such a shame.”
A third commented: “Been going to Guys regularly for years and even proposed to my partner in the restaurant and got a round of applause from all the diners.
“Sad that’s it’s gone and hopefully someone will take it on and keep it as it is.”
The business has been run by the Wilkinson family since 1980 and was put up for sale last year, with the listing stating the net turnover was around £4.2million. No guide price was listed.
It said: “Guys Thatched Hamlet & Hotel is located in a highly prominent and accessible area with easy access to the Lake District, Fylde Coast and the Trough of Bowland.
“The hotel element has 65 en suite letting bedrooms and attracts a high volume of leisure-based business together with a mix of commercial trade.
“The property is conveniently and strategically well located on the A6 to the south of Bilsborrow village and abutting the Lancaster Canal.
“Located within 4 miles (10 minutes’ drive) of the intersection of the M6 and M55 motorways it is ideally placed to take advantage of the high flow of business coming from the surrounding districts.
“The business was acquired by our clients over 44 years ago and has since been the subject of extensive refurbishment, adaptation and extensions have been constructed.
“Guy’s Thatched Hamlet is unique and renowned throughout the whole of the North West of England. There is a solid year-round trading base, with the food and beverage offering being extremely busy throughout the Summer and Festive periods.”
