Following 46 years of operation, a well-known hotel and restaurant abruptly cease operations, leaving patrons in dismay.
Located adjacent to the canal on St Michael’s Road near Bilsborrow in Lancashire, Guys Thatched Hamlet, a 65-room establishment, has officially closed its doors, resulting in the dismissal of all employees.
A closure notice has been affixed to the hotel’s entrance, confirming the cessation of operations. The expansive 14-acre property encompassed various amenities such as a tavern, restaurant, sports pavilion, function rooms, cricket ground, bowling green, and three parking lots.
As detailed in the Lancashire Post, the closure announcement from the management stated: “After 46 years of trading, we can confirm Guy’s Thatched Hamlet has now closed. This decision, although challenging, was made after thorough deliberation. We express our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated staff, and supportive suppliers over the years.
“The hamlet held significant sentimental value for many individuals, and as it transitions into a new phase, our primary focus is on concluding this chapter.”
Heartbroken customers have taken to social media to express their sorrow over the news. One reminisced, “Where my hubby proposed to me in 2012,” while another shared, “I also got engaged here in 2015. Such a shame.”
Another customer added, “I’ve been a regular at Guys for years, even proposed to my partner in the restaurant, receiving a round of applause from fellow diners. It’s sad to see it go, and hopefully, someone will preserve its essence.”
The Wilkinson family has managed the business since 1980 and put it up for sale last year without specifying a guide price, citing a net turnover of approximately £4.2 million. The property was described as strategically located with easy access to prominent areas like the Lake District, Fylde Coast, and the Trough of Bowland.
The hotel boasted 65 en suite rooms and attracted a mix of leisure and commercial clientele. Positioned conveniently on the A6 near Bilsborrow village and adjacent to the Lancaster Canal, the property was well-placed to capitalize on business traffic from the surrounding regions, being near the M6 and M55 junction.
Acquired over 44 years ago, the business underwent extensive renovations and expansions, solidifying its reputation as a unique and esteemed establishment in the North West of England. With a robust year-round customer base, the dining offerings were particularly busy during the Summer and Festive seasons.