Buyer Sought for Whitworth Hall Hotel

A buyer is being sought for the renowned Whitworth Hall Hotel in Spennymoor near Durham which is being operated as a going concern by joint administrators, Andrew Haslam and Gary Lee of Begbies Traynor.

The 29 bedroom hotel which is situated in a country park complete with its own herd of deer, also boasts two restaurants as well as conference and banqueting suites and is a popular wedding venue.

Following the unexpected death of managing director Alan Lax in the summer, the business ran into financial problems and Whitworth Hall Country Park Limited, which operates the hotel, was placed in administration on 18 October 2013. The business is continuing to operate as usual while it is marketed with weddings booked for this weekend and next weekend being honoured. The jobs of all 40 staff have been retained.

“Following the sudden passing of the managing director a few months ago, the remaining directors have continued to operate the business to the best of their ability, however due to the general economic climate, they have been unable to turn the business around,” explains joint administrator Andrew Haslam. “After discussions with the stakeholders, a decision was taken by the directors to appoint joint administrators. We are continuing to trade the business and the hotel is running as normal while it is marketed.

“The hotel enjoys an idyllic location and has great facilities, including 29 recently refurbished luxury bedrooms. With its excellent reputation and outstanding recommendations on leading review websites, we are confident of finding a buyer quickly. We have already received significant interest in the business as a going concern which we anticipate will result in securing a future for one of the county’s premier hotels.

“In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming the wedding parties for the celebrations booked over the next two weekends and would like to reassure them and other customers that it is very much business as usual.”

Customers are advised to contact the hotel direct on 01388 811772 to enquire about future bookings.

The joint administrators have instructed Colliers International in Leeds as their agents and all potential purchasers should contact Peter Bean on 0113 200 1890.