Thu, 12 Mar 2026 | COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
The hotel and hospitality assets of an entertainment complex in Lancashire have been acquired out of administration by Bowland Inns & Hotels Limited. Guy’s Eating Establishments fell into administration last month, with Lila Thomas and Jessica Leeming of FRP Advisory appointed as joint administrators.
Guys Eating Establishments operated a hospitality and leisure site in Bilsborrow, near Preston, trading as Guys Thatched Hamlet, Owd Nell’s Canalside Tavern and Guy’s Canalside Lodge. The venue, which has been under the ownership of the Wilkinson family for over four decades, has become a prominent entertainment destination in the local area.
Upon their appointment, the joint administrators explored options for the site’s future as a hospitality venue, ultimately completing a sale of the hotel property and associated assets to Bowland Inns & Hotels Limited. The site, which closed in February, is now set to reopen in the near future.
Lila Thomas, joint administrator of Guys Eating Establishments Limited and partner at FRP, commented: "Guy’s Thatched Hamlet is a distinctive venue with a strong local profile and a unique offering.”
"While it was not possible to secure a sale prior to our appointment, the Company had entered into an exclusivity arrangement with Bowland Inns & Hotels which ultimately resulted in the successful completion of a transaction for the hotel property and associated assets.
"Bowland Inns & Hotels has a strong track record of operating successful hospitality venues across the North West, and we wish the new owners every success with the site."
Ribble Valley-based Bowland Inns & Hotels owns and operates several established hospitality venues across the North West through operating company James’ Places. Following the acquisition, the group intends to invest in the site as it works towards a reopening in the near future.
Bowland Inns & Hotels owner James Warburton said the site was “much more than a pub, restaurant and hotel, it is in fact a hospitality destination in itself”.
He continued: "We aim to get the doors open again as soon as possible – and then embark on a much-needed rolling refurbishment programme as we bring the site back to its former glory and into the James Places family."
In accounts for the year to July 30 2023, Guys Eating Establishments Limited reported turnover of around £5 million, down from £5.1 million a year earlier, and fell from an operating profit of approximately £241,000 to a loss of more than £144,000.
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