New Guy’s Thatched Hamlet owners announce plans for the site

Bowland Inns & Hotels, the Ribble Valley-based hospitality group behind the James’ Places portfolio, has acquired Guy’s Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow, which includes Guy’s Eating Establishment and Lodgings and the canal-side Owd Nell’s Tavern.

The site closed unexpectedly in early February, leaving staff and guests in limbo, but now looks set for a major comeback under new ownership.

‘More than a pub’

The new owners issued their first statement since the purchase (Image: James’ Places)

James Warburton, owner of Bowland Inns & Hotels, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to now confirm the acquisition of The Thatched Hamlet at Bilsborrow.

“The Thatched Hamlet is so much more than a pub, restaurant and hotel – it is an iconic destination in its own right.

“It has been a fixture of the North West’s hospitality landscape for more than 40 years.

“You only have to read the social media posts, newspaper articles and comments following the recent surprise closure to see just how important and significant this place is to so many people.”

The company plans to reopen the site as quickly as possible and begin a major rolling refurbishment programme to restore the site to its former glory.

Mr Warburton said: “We aim to get the site working again as quickly as possible, it’s important for the buildings, for the staff, and it’s important for local suppliers too.

“The first job is a deep clean and then some back of house works to the cellars and the kitchens, all essential first investments to underpin everything else we plan to do.

“We will be investing in the outdoor areas first to try to make the best of the fabulous location and the equally fabulous summer that we surely have coming down the line, and then we’ll be working our way through the interiors room by room as the ebbs and flows of the weekday trade allows.”

Festival plans announced

Mr Warburton said the task ahead isn’t just about refurbishing the buildings; it’s about rebuilding the business side too.

For many years the Thatched Hamlet was synonymous with many annual events and festivals including the Oyster Festival, a four-day event based around the sea-bed delicacy that played host to the great and the good of Lancashire’s sporting, business and banking communities for light-hearted entertainment, networking and even a bit of deal-making.

“We’ll certainly be bringing a few of the bigger festivals back to life once we’ve got the day to day side sorted and we hope to bring a few new ideas to sit alongside the cricket pitch and the bowling green and really make the most of the fabulous setting and equally fabulous facilities.

“We also have plans and ideas to create a truly unique weddings and events space, able to host parties and celebrations of all sizes and all types.

“Watch this space, this will be a really exciting, and great addition to the six other award-winning Dream Venues by James’ Places.”

Bowland Inns & Hotels currently operates a range of inns, hotels, and events venues across the North West, including the multi-award-winning Bowland Brewery at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe.