AIMING TO REOPEN WITHIN 4 WEEKS
ANGLESEY’S White Eagle in Rhoscolyn and The Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr have been taken over, three months after the pub chain that ran them went into administration.
Sarah O’Toole and Jason Bell of the Manchester office of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed joint administrators of 16 Hospitality in March.
The group operated four pubs – the two on Anglesey and two sites in Cheshire – The Partridge in Stretton and The Old Hall Hotel in Frodsham.
Staff were placed on furlough while administrators looked for a buyer.
But James Timpson from the Timpson Group contacted the Daily Post yesterday to reveal the family would once again take over the reins.
Staff have been transferred to the new group.
They hope to reopen the sites within the next four weeks as long as lockdown rules in Wales allow them to.
The pubs had previously been overseen by Alex Timpson but when he died, they were handed over to 16 Hospitality.
After financial issues led to the company’s administration, the family – who still own the freehold on the sites – decided to step in.
It is a huge boost for hospitality on the island during a difficult time as the whole sector struggles due to the Covid-19 pandemic
A statement from James and Roisin Timpson said: “I am pleased to announce that the Timpson family, trading as Flock Inns Ltd, have taken over the running of the White Eagle in Rhoscolyn and Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr, properties that we have owned for many years.”
The White Eagle was bought by the family in 2005 and Alex Timpson helped turn the pub into a very popular destination for locals, holidaymakers and the odd celebrity.
They bought the Maelog Lake Hotel in Rhosneigr in 2009 and turned it into The Oyster Catcher, which became a pioneering venture to train up disadvantaged young people for careers in hospitality, as well as another popular spot to eat and drink.
The statement added: “When Alex passed away, the family decided to pass over operation of the two businesses to 16 Hospitality, which went into administration just as lockdown happened.
“James and Roisin Timpson are looking forward to welcoming colleagues into the Timpson family business, investing in both sites, supporting local suppliers and greeting many old customers and friends through the doors.”
Grant Thornton said the business and assets of the 16 Hospitality Group have been acquired by Flock Inns Limited, and approximately 100 employees have been transferred as a result of the sale.
Sarah O’Toole, advisory partner at Grant Thornton UK LLP said: “The impact of Covid-19 on this sector has been significant and therefore we are delighted to have achieved a sale which preserves almost 100 jobs. We wish the purchaser every success as they take the business forward.”