Fifty jobs at risk as hotel faces closure
THE owners of Waterfront Hotel and Prego restaurant in Brighouse, which employs more than 50 people, say they are facing closure because of the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis.
Situated in a Grade II converted mill, on the banks of the Calder and Hebble Navigation, the businesses have been an integral part of the Calder Valley hospitality scene for many years.
The Waterfront boasts more than 50 rooms while the Prego restaurant has enjoyed an excellent reputation for food.
Sister business, the Briar Court Hotel and Da Sandro restaurant on Halifax Road, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield, are unaffected by the decision and it is hoped they will reopen whenever the government gives the green light.
A spokeswoman for the Brighouse businesses said: “We are fortunate that we have many loyal customers who have become friends to us over the years, but we have to recognise that economic uncertainty has affected how often people are able to enjoy eating out or visiting the local area.
“We had hoped to continue operating as we are proud that our hotel and restaurant play a key part in the local community and employ over 50 people locally.
“Regretfully, the government’s forced closure of our hotel and restaurant in connection with the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on our business.
“Each week that we remain closed, we are making financial losses, which will be very hard to recover from. We, therefore, must seriously consider closure.
“We have not made any firm decisions regarding the future of the hotel and restaurant.”
A process of consultation with staff is taking place and it’s hoped a firm decision will be made by late June or early July.
Da Sandro was opened in 1981 by the late businessman Marino Bevilacqua and his son Sandro.
Marino came to the UK in 1950 as a penniless 18-year-old to work in the mines in Wales.
He went on to become a respected entrepreneurial figure who employed hundreds of people through his various businesses including Continental Wine & Food, Prego Italian Restaurant, the Waterfront Hotel in Brighouse and Briar Court Hotel.