Guy’s Thatched Hamlet restaurant to close as owners reveal new venue plans

Guy’s will not reopen as an Italian restaurant, with its refurbished premises instead becoming an events and wedding venue called The Roundhouse.

Guy’s Thatched Hamlet will no longer operate as an Italian restaurant after more than 50 years, its new owners have confirmed.

James’ Places, which bought the venue earlier this year, is transforming the former restaurant into an events and wedding venue named The Roundhouse.

The canalside venue has issued a major update.placeholder image
The canalside venue has issued a major update. | James’ Places

The refurbished space will include a private bar and rooftop terrace. It is expected to be available for birthdays and family celebrations by the end of the month, before hosting weddings after Christmas.

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Jess Mason, Marketing Manager for James’ Places, said: “We wanted to create a venue which felt unique to the area, a special place for couples and families. We had quite a lot of people get in touch to say how beautiful it (Guy’s) is, and some people said they had got engaged or enjoyed anniversaries there.

“Guy’s as a restaurant won’t be opening again. We’ve renovated the whole space, and it will be ready for birthdays and family events by the end of the month.

The new venue will hosts weddings amongst other events.placeholder image
The new venue will hosts weddings amongst other events. | James' Places

“It won’t be ready for weddings until after Christmas, but we have our first wedding confirmed for next March and are actively taking bookings.”

The plans represent a significant change for the popular site, ending Guy’s long history of trading as a restaurant while retaining the building as a venue for private celebrations.

Work is also continuing elsewhere across the approximately 12-acre site, which includes a cricket pitch, bowling green and large car park.

Owd’ Nells Tavern, next to Guy’s, reopened several months ago following a full refurbishment of both the pub and its kitchen. Thatching work on the tavern roof has now been completed, while work on the roof of Guy’s is continuing.

Significant investment into a new thatched roof and outside areas as been made by the new owners.placeholder image
Significant investment into a new thatched roof and outside areas as been made by the new owners. | James' Places

James’ Places is also renovating the 60 hotel rooms located on the site, although the owners have not provided a timetable for that project’s completion.

The annual Guinness and Oyster Festival is due to return in 2027. James’ Places said further plans are also being developed but have not yet been announced publicly.

No update has been given on the future of Guy’s Cricket Club. The team continued competing this season in the Boddingtons Village Cricket League.

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