A beloved hotel and dining establishment has abruptly ceased operations after serving customers for 46 years, causing distress among patrons. Guys Thatched Hamlet, situated near Bilsborrow in Lancashire alongside the A6, has officially closed its doors. The establishment, encompassing a 65-room hotel adjacent to the canal on St Michael’s Road, has terminated all its employees.
A closure notice has been affixed to the hotel’s entrance, signaling the end of its operations. Spanning nearly 14 acres, the site included a pub, eatery, sports pavilion, event spaces, cricket field, bowling green, and three parking lots. According to the Lancashire Post, the notice posted at the venue stated, “After 46 years of operation, Guy’s Thatched Hamlet is now permanently closed.”
Expressing gratitude to customers, staff, and suppliers for their enduring loyalty, the statement continued, “The hamlet held significant meaning for many individuals, and as it transitions, our focus is on concluding this chapter.” Distraught customers have taken to social media to share their memories, with one recalling a proposal in 2012, and another lamenting an engagement in 2015 at the venue.
The Wilkinson family has managed the business since 1980 and listed it for sale last year, citing an approximate net turnover of £4.2 million without a specified guide price. The property, strategically positioned for easy access to the Lake District, Fylde Coast, and the Trough of Bowland, featured 65 en suite guest rooms and attracted both leisure and commercial clientele. The location, near Bilsborrow village and the Lancaster Canal, was conveniently situated within a short drive of the M6 and M55 motorway intersection, making it highly accessible to surrounding districts.
Having undergone extensive refurbishments over the last 44 years, Guy’s Thatched Hamlet was renowned throughout the North West, offering a consistent year-round trading experience with peak business during summer and festive seasons.