Food lovers name the owners of Holmes Mill as the operator they'd like to see reopen Guys Thatched Hamlet
Food lovers shocked by the sudden closure of Guys Thatched Hamlet this week have named another Lancashire operator they would like to see takeover the venue.
The iconic canal-side attraction on the A6 in Bilsborrow, known for its rustic theme and thatched roofs, shut with immediate effect on Monday.
The closure was not a complete surprise. Guys was put up for sale a year ago in February 2025, with no guide price listed. It’s not been confirmed at this stage whether a sale has been completed, and whether this prompted this week’s closure.
‘Period of transition’
In a statement, the Wilkinson family - who owned Guys for 46 years - hinted at a ‘period of transition’, suggesting there might still be a future for the Thatched Hamlet.
Food lovers were quick to offer their own suggestions for its future, and several said they’d love to see one particular Lancashire-based operator take it on.
“I’d love to see James’ Places take it on. Holmes Mill in Clitheroe is excellent,” said one reader commenting on the Lancashire Post’s Facebook post about Guys’ closure.
“That would be exciting!,” added another reader. “Holmes Mill is a lovely place, the way they’ve refurbished the old mill is gorgeous and it has a great atmosphere.”
Who are James’ Places?
James' Places is a hospitality group based in Clitheroe, specialising in historic hotels, country inns and wedding venues across the North West.
Founded in 1996 by James Warburton, the business is now part of the parent company Bowland Inns & Hotels. Their impressive portfolio includes restored industrial mills and Georgian mansions.
In 2016, the company brought a former Clitheroe cotton mill spectacularly back to life when they redeveloped the site as a food hall, cinema, brewery, beer hall (boasting the longest bar in Britain - 105 foot long with 42 hand pumps!) and 39-room hotel complex.
Nearby, in the Ribble Valley countryside outside Clitheroe they have Eaves Hall, a grand Georgian-style country house set in 13 acres of gardens, primarily used for weddings.
James’ Places has been approached for comment.