Future of Lancashire's Guy's Thatched Hamlet secured as sale completed by Bowland Inns and Hotels
The future of the much loved Guy’s Thatched Hamlet has been secured after the sale was finally completed.
Bowland Inns and Hotels has today confirmed it has completed the acquisition of Guy’s Thatched Hamlet and Owd Nell’s Tavern in Bilsborrow.
The Ribble Valley based hospitality business, part of James’ Places Group, already run a variety of successful country inns, hotels, wedding venues as well as Bowland Brewery.
Bosses said they plan to reopen “as quickly as possible” and begin a major rolling refurbishment programme to restore the site to its former glory.
The business, run by the Wilkinson family since 1980, closed suddenly and unexpectedly at the beginning of February.
The site includes the 200-cover traditional pub Owd Nell’s Tavern, 175-cover Guy’s Eating Establishment which served Italian cuisine, 80-cover Tommy Hatton’s Function Room off of the cricket grounds and The Boddington Pavilion function room next to the bowling green.
James Warburton, owner of Bowland Inns and 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.
“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.”
Bosses said the task ahead of them was not just about refurbishing the buildings and restoring the site, but about rebuilding the business side too.
Mr Warburton said: “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.”
The sudden closure of the 65-room A6 canal-side hotel and restaurant in St Michael’s Road, known for its rustic theme and thatched roofs, shocked foodies across the county.
Notices were found taped to the entrance confirming its closure as staff were made redundant.
James said: “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.”
Where else do Bowland Inns and Hotels run?
Bowland Inns and Hotels owns and operates the James’ Places group of country inns, hotels, weddings and events venues across the North West. The company, recently named in the Kuits Northern Restaurant and Bar Top Fifty Hospitality Power List 2026, also owns the multi-award winning Bowland Brewery, based at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe.
They also run:
- Mitton Hall, near Whalley
- Falcon Manor Settle
- Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green
- The Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale
- Eaves Hall, Clitheroe
- Waddington Arms, Clitheroe
- Assheton Arms, Downham
- The Emporium, Clitheroe
- Wennington Hall, Lancaster
What have the former owners The Wilkinson family said?
A spokesperson for the Wilkinson family said: “The closure has been a difficult decision and one made with considerable thought.
“We would like to sincerely thank our customers, staff, and suppliers for their loyalty and support over the years.
“The hamlet has meant a great deal to many people, and as it moves through a period of transition, our focus is on bringing this chapter to a close”.
Listed for sale
The business was put up for sale last year with the listing stating the net turnover was around £4.2m. Substantial offers were invited, though no guide price was listed.
Administrators appointed by Guy’s confirmed in February an ‘exclusivity arrangement’ has been agreed with Ribble Valley-based Bowland Inns & Hotels Ltd.